Margaret Jane Mende, 99

Margaret Jane Mende

Jan 8, 1921 May 10, 2020

Margaret Jane Mende, a loving and devoted mother, died of congestive heart failure at the age of 99 on Mother's Day, May 10 at Stonebridge Continuing Care Facility in Montgomery.

A joyfully radiant and spirited person all her life, Margaret excelled in theater and athletics in school, was captain of the girl's track team, and named Class Athlete. Her passion for acting led her to the Garwood Drama Club and into the arms of the love of her life during a production of “Pure as the Driven Snow.”

She was proud of shooting a hole in one in golf, but prouder still of her family. A nurturing mother and homemaker, Margaret also worked with her husband at the family business, Mende Florist, Springfield, and was a competitive bridge player. She will be remembered for her strength, her mischievous sense of humor, her unconditional kindness and warmth, her open-mindedness, and her sense of wonder and delight.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents Julia and Michael Misko, her husband of 63 years, Herman Albert Mende III, and her sister Elizabeth Wirsig.

She will be remembered by her four children: Joyce Mende Wong (William) of Piedmont, CA; Christine Nicosia (Matthew) of Venice, FL; Karl Mende (Wilma) of Martinsville; and Karen Fridkis (Lawrence) of Hopewell. She will be remembered by her eight grandchildren: Sam (Michelle), Kate (Simon), Jacob (HeeSun), Gabriel, Dylan, Austin, Cody, and Savannah and her four great-grandchildren Milo, Eva, Eden, and Aviva; and her brother G. Michael Misko.

A memorial service will be held at a time when it is socially when it is safe for everyone to attend.