Jean M. Mandell

Date of Passing:

November 19, 2024

Jean M. Mandell, 62, of Orchard Avenue, Barrington, died peacefully on November 19, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at the Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center, in Providence, Rhode Island. She was the beloved wife of James M. Valles Jr. (Jim), mother of Matthew and William Mandell Valles, as well as the sister of Edward J. Mandell III and Michael Mandell. She was a sister-in-law of Anne Valles of Seattle, WA, Andrew Valles and wife, Laurie, of High Point, NC and Aunt of Nikki Ryker of High Point, NC..

Born on April 10, 1962 to Edward J. Mandell Jr, and Anne Mandell in Portland, ME, Jean grew up in Seal Harbor, ME, a town of 62 people. Graduating from Mount Desert Island High School in 1980, Jean went to the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she studied psychology, made lifelong friends, and fell in love with her future husband, Jim. In 1988, Jean and Jim married in Holy Redeemer Church of Bar Harbor, ME. In the years that followed, they moved to New Jersey and Oregon before settling in Barrington, Rhode Island where they have resided for over thirty years.

Jean was a very loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend. She willingly put other people before herself in so many ways. Her support, sense of humor and sage advice will long be remembered. A favored pastime later in her life was Paint N’ Sip in which she with friends and other class members sipped wine while enjoying a guided painting class. Jean also enjoyed cooking, gardening, sharing meals with friends and family, long conversations, vacationing in Maine, going to New York City to see shows, reading, interior decorating, watching HGTV, streaming TV series with her family, and taking care of and walking her dogs with friends.

In her professional life, Jean worked as a disability case manager for over thirty years. She developed many long term friendships with coworkers who engaged in the same line of work. She most recently worked as a Return to Disability Consultant for Beacon Mutual Insurance for 9 years. While she enjoyed her work as a disability case manager, Jean found her greatest joy in taking care of her family. She supported her sons as they developed their interests attending games, performances, and helping them to get to where they needed to go. She did so much to ensure that they could feel cared for, loved, and happy through her lifetime and long after she passed.

Along with being a regular communicant at St. Luke’s Church, Jean taught catechism classes to teenagers over several years and initiated young couples to the sacrament of baptism. She also volunteered for the Special Olympics, starting in high school. In her later years, Jean volunteered and supported St. Edward’s food pantry in North Providence where she helped to feed the hungry of the people in the surrounding area.

Calling hours will be held on Monday November 25, 2024 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 4-7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday November 26, 2024 in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Edwards Food Center in North Providence, RI (https://www.stedwardfoodcenter.org/)

Online Condolences

47 Comments

  1. Our sincere sympathies and condolences to Jim, her boys, and the rest of the family.

  2. Jean, it was a special & unique delight to know and have worked with you at our workplace, The Arrigan (Donley) Center all those many years ago. I always enjoyed your hilarious, wry sense of humor. My immense condolences to your beloved family & friends, and also your clients and the many people who you so greatly helped.

  3. I am so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She was such a wonderful woman with a beautiful personality and spirit. Jean made such a great impact on all of us who she came across at Beacon, one of the nicest people anyone could hope to meet. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Jean will be greatly missed. RIP

  4. I will always remember Jean’s smile and wit. It was a pleasure meeting her in the gym at Beacon and sharing conversation before and after our workouts. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. May they find some measure of comfort in their memories of a kind and wonderful woman. Rest in peace, Jean.

  5. Far too soon. The Roy family will miss her terribly. We always considered her part of our family, and will always.

  6. Dear Jim and family,

    Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.

    Sending healing prayers and comfort during this difficult time.🙏

  7. Dear Jim, Matt, and Will:
    We are heartbroken to hear of the loss of Jean. Such a wonderful person.
    At a time when there are no words that will assuage your grief, please know that we are holding you all close in our hearts.

  8. Dear Jim,
    I am very sorry to learn about Jean’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your sons during this difficult time. With time, may you find peace and comfort in her memories.
    Karine

  9. Jean you will truly be missed. Thank you for being so compassionate and caring to all. My condolences to your husband, boys and your entire family, Rest in Peace Jean

  10. The sparkle in her eyes says it all.
    I am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful kind wife mother friend. But that spirit will remain as a part of everyone she touched. Peace Jean

  11. Dear Jim, Matt, and Will,
    Jim, Rob, and I send our deepest condolences. Although many years have passed since we were all together cheering on a sideline or applauding a rising star, Jean’s thoughtfulness, support, and laughter still resound in our memories. She was an outstanding role model to her peers. We send hugs and prayers to you all. The Oswalds

  12. Annabelle and myself would like to let your family know that you are all in our prayers. May Jean rest easy

  13. Jim and sons, we are so very sorry to learn of your great loss. Our most sincere condolences to you. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Maria and Lynn. We will always be thankful for you, Jim, bringing Holy Communion to Curt and spending time and conversation with him. He always had a little song for you 🥰.

  14. Even with her illness, jean’s thoughts were on others.
    She showed us how to live and go forward.
    A truly amazing woman.

  15. Rest in peace Jean. It was wonderful to work with you at DES. I remember your beautiful blue eyes, your welcoming smile, and always a kind word. So many here sharing their wonderful memories speaks of how you have touched so many. My thoughts and prayers remain with the Mandell family. May beautiful memories bring you peace and sustain you during this difficult time. God bless. 🙏

  16. Fr. Matt, On behalf of the McNamara family I want to express our condolences to Fr. Matt, his father, Jim, and William. It has been an eventful year and I am glad that Jean lived to share those moments with family. May God grant her His eternal joy and happiness.

  17. Condolences from the Donato family. Jim, we were so sorry to hear about Jean’s passing. We’ll keep you and your family in our prayers.

  18. Jean was there for me during one of the loneliness times in my life. That’s the kind of person Jean was. She will remain in my heart forever. My deepest condolences to Jim, Matthew and William, family and friends. I can’t imagine your heartbreak.

  19. It took me a minute to realize it was Jean who did yoga beside me a Beacon, Rest in peace.

  20. Sending our deepest sympathies to Jean’s family. May The Lord grant you strength and support during this challenging period.

  21. R.I.P., Jean! We will always remember your smiles and kindness.

  22. Jean was such an amazing woman. I worked with Jean when she was a vocational counselor at the Donley Center and while she worked at Beacon. She always had a smile on her face no matter what. I will never forget the day over 6 years ago when my dad died and I just came back to my office after a two week bereavement period. Jean was knocking on my office door the day I returned. I thought I missed a Beacon meeting. I didn’t. She was there to bring me a plant and to send her condolences. That hug she gave me that day will forever be embedded in my heart. That was the kind of woman Jean was. Always there to help someone through their day. My condolences to Jeans husband, sons, and family. Rest in peace, Jean.

  23. Sorry to hear of Jean’s passing and my heart goes out to her family. Hopefully you will be able to remember her smile and good times with peace in your hearts.

  24. Jean was truly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met—always smiling, radiating positive energy, and treating everyone with kindness and warmth. Her good-hearted and gentle nature left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

    Jean was a true professional, always eager to help others with her generous spirit and big heart. She touched so many lives, both personally and professionally, in ways that will not be forgotten.

    Her passing comes far too soon, and she will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.

  25. The Larson family sends its deepest condolences.

  26. Jim, I am so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. I hope my prayers bring you some comfort in this difficult time.

  27. A one of a kind friend and coworker. Thank you for guiding me with decisions I must make. You will be missed. Rest.

  28. We will always cherish the sweetest memories of Jean laughing and joking even despite circumstances. Her wonderful spirit and openness was infectious. Until we meet again in the heavenly realm. Love and sympathy to Jim Matthew and William.

  29. Jean was a beacon of light and warmth and kindness. I will miss her happy energy that always brightened my day. I will especially remember her stunning smile and her devoted love for Jim, Matthew and William, and of course Beau and Baxter – her love and light will always be with them.

  30. My deepest condolences to the Mandell Family. Jean was a class act and will be sorely missed. RIP sweet Lady!

  31. Jean was such a great person to be with. We both shared that awful disease and talked a lot will miss you terribly. Till we meet again. Praying for your family 💔🙏

  32. I had the great pleasure of knowing Jean for a short time. She was so friendly and left an impact on me even during that short time. My deepest condolences to her friends and family. She is greatly missed.

  33. Memories of Jean from high school are of a kind and thoughtful soul. May her life and legacy of a life well lived and loved while supporting many more be of comfort and sustain you through your grief. So very sorry to hear of Jean’s passing from this life onto her next journey. Heartfelt and sincere condolences.

  34. Mai Donohue .
    I am so honor to meet Jean for a short time of her life. She was so kind and loving. I’m so sorry to hear about her passed. Send my thoughts and prayers t Jim and family. 🩵🙏

  35. I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Jean. I had the honor of working with her many years ago. She was a great person. My deepest condolences to her family.

  36. Some souls leave us too early in life and that is how l feel about Jean. She was a kind and giving soul whom l only met just before her struggle with cancer. She fought a hard fight and managed to always remain optimistic. We can all learn from her about life’s challenges. She is loved and cherished and l enjoyed being her friend and neighbor. She will be missed. May Jim and her sons find peace in knowing her soul is at rest. Sending my deepest condolences.

  37. Jean and I had many heartfelt conversations while traveling to and from our work place at the Dr John E Donley Rehabilitation Center.
    She had a kind heart and giving nature. The world was a better place for having her in it.
    TIL we meet again

  38. My heart goes out to Jeans family. She was such a wonderful human. Glad that I had the privilege of knowing and working together with one of the greats. Rest easy dear Jean.

  39. Jean was a wonderful and kind woman. She was a helper, always. She had a great sense of humor, and we had many laughs together at Beacon. You are missed. Rest in power; I heard that she preferred power vs. peace. That is so Jean. Condolences to her family.

  40. My heartfelt condolences are sincerely expressed to your family and friends. We’ve known each other since our sons were small. I’ve valued your patience and calm over years.

    Prayers are shared, along with tender hugs during this heartbreaking time.

  41. Jean-sincerity, wisdom,compassion, and wit. These are the words I think of when I think of you. Till we meet again, my friend. 💖

  42. * Jean -authenticity, sincerity, compassion and wit. These are the words that come to mind when I think of you. I’m blessed to have had the pleasure of your friendship. Till we meet again! 💖

  43. Thank you Jean for your presence in my life. Your grace and kindness is what I am most grateful for. I was blessed to have known you. You guided me through several workers comp patients all with love and care for the patients . Godspeed my friend. Until we meet again

  44. Jean was a wonderful and kind person. She had a big heart and always put the well being of others before her own. I had the pleasure of working with Jean and know she will be greatly missed.

  45. The Rota family sends their condolences to you all. Alicia and I have so many fond memories with Jean during our time at RSDE. May her memory always be a blessing. Peace to you all.

  46. There’s so much to say but I think I said it all to you, Jean. I’ll keep you in my heart until we meet again. Thank you for being such a generous and compassionate friend to me and many others. Love to Jim, Matthew and William and everyone touched by this big loss. Rest in power, Jean.

  47. Jean you will be missed by so many. Thank you Jean for your friendship. I will think of you often with a smile on my face.. Sending prayers to Jeans family during this difficult time.

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