Janice Marie Fewkes

Janice Marie Fewkes died unexpectedly in her home in Las Vegas on September 4 at the age of 69. The fifth of eight children, Janice was born to Eva and Mariano Mendez Jr. in San Jose, California. Even at an early age, and amongst seven other children, Janice was special.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her husband Trent of 45 years, son Trenton (TJ), two step-children Christi and Russell, siblings Shirley, Steve, Sylvia, Carol, Jennifer, Joanne, Marianne, three grandchildren Hayden, Kayla and Justin and her dog Spanky.

There is much to say about Janice’s life, enough to fill a book. Janice grew up in San Jose in a full and loving home. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1971. After several moves, including a long stay in Pocatello, Idaho, she and Trent married in 1977 and settled in Las Vegas where they raised TJ and developed lifelong friendships. She was known by her Vegas friends as “Jan.”

Janice was a private person, yet her beautiful, broad and bright smile was inviting and drew you in. She loved to talk, was quick to laugh, and had a genuine interest in others--and she always had time for you; she was selfless. If you needed help, Janice was the one to call.

Her talents and interests were many. She excelled in cycling, softball, tennis, and racquetball—dominating and frustrating even the most skilled players! She moved about the field and court with style and grace. Cooking wasn’t her bag, but she made delicious fudge, divinity and other delights at Christmas--and she made the best oatmeal raisin cookies! Her prowess in the kitchen with sugar must have been driven by her insatiable appetite for candy and sweets--a memory since childhood.

Jan had dogged determination. She was well known for raising parrots and sharing her techniques and passion for the birds. She would work the fireworks booth as a fundraiser for the bird club, sit and complain about how hot it was, and how she was never going to do it again, and there she was the next year sitting in the fireworks booth!

Janice was a profoundly devoted mother, grandmother and partner-in-life and a loving and kind sister, aunt and friend. She cared deeply for others, and she was generous and thoughtful. If you commented about liking something she had or was wearing, it was not unusual to find it in your suitcase upon your departure!

Jan had a group of friends that she met on a regular basis at the bagel shop and loved to socialize. Jan will be dearly missed by her Las Vegas friends some of who considered her family.

Jan was willing to try anything and was supportive of our veterans here in Las Vegas. She was on the women’s veteran Paddling team for a couple of seasons as an alternate, Jan took the necessary classes to become a volunteer at the VA center by her house. Jan also supported Project hero Las Vegas hub through her cycling. Jan was patient, kind, and passionate with the veterans participating on the Saturday rides. With the passing of Janice we’ll never know who took out the trash!! Only the sisters will get this.

The passing of Janice was one of the saddest days of our lives. She was a bright spot to everyone who met her, and she was just fun to be around and was beautiful inside and out.

Special thanks to Ruth, Janice’s family friend, for the support to our family during this tragedy and the presence she had in Janice’s life.

A visitation for Janice will be held Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the FEWKES family.