Jan Mandarino
Thanks to Steven C. Hanson for this sad news.
On January 19, 2023, after a long battle with dementia, Jan Mandarino returned to her Heavenly Father. Born on June 14, 1952, to Fred Francis Mandarino and Reva Marilyn Carlston, she was the third of five children.
Jan spent nearly 42 years with L3 Communications in various roles within the company. Never shy about sharing her opinion, those she worked with – and for – always knew where they stood. Upon her retirement, she was remembered for her hard work, desire to help others, and as a loyal friend.
Our once vibrant mom (who never shied away from a conflict, and in some cases embraced it) will be remembered for many things, which include:
– Her tender heart that manifested itself in ways you’d least expect
– Her sass and honesty, both of which always kept things interesting
– Her enthusiasm for pulling out our loose baby teeth
– Her grace and style as she raced down the Slip N Slide
– Her leopard-print thong with a “modesty flap” for those days she wanted to cover up (which hardly ever came)
– Her sense of humor, which was on full display when we’d complain our sunburned faces hurt and she’d respond, “your face hurts me too.”
She is survived by her two greatest accomplishments, Breezy (Dustin) Richins, and Heather (Andrew) Sproul; grandchildren Satchel, Gehrig, Emma, William, Murphy, and Skye; many nieces and nephews; her sister, Cheryl; and brother, Paul. Preceded in death by her parents; sister, Tina; and brother, Steve.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Riverway Assisted Living. Your team provided our mom the community she needed and the care she cherished (even if she would never admit it).
In lieu of a service replete with tears and copious amounts of tissues, The Girls will hold a celebration of life at a later date when the weather is warmer and everyone can break out their own version of a leopard-print thong (modesty flap optional). If you’d like to be included in the festivities, please reach out to one of The Girls directly.