Janice Christine McHale

Janice C. McHale of Pawtucket passed into eternal life on February 28, 2020.

Janice was born in Providence, the daughter of the late James A. McHale and Ruth M. (McAtee) McHale.

She attended the Rhode Island School of Nursing and received a BS in Paralegal Studies from Dean College. Janice was employed by BVE/EUA/National Grid for 44 years, retiring in May, 2000 from the position of Risk Management working on car/pole litigation and property damage claims. 

 In 1990, Janice,  along with Jean Stizpeck, co-founded Winter Wonderland at Slater Park, Pawtucket's premier holiday attraction that has continued for more than 20 years.  Janice held the position of CEO for over 11 years. She was inducted into the Pawtucket Hall of Fame in 2012 for her many contributions to the City of Pawtucket.  Janice was proud to be chosen as Grand Marshall for Pawtucket St. Patrick's Day Parade.  She was also co-founder and VP of the Friends of the Looff Carousel at Slater Park which strives to preserve, protect and promote the Carousel for future generations.

Janice was active in the BVE Over 65 Club and a former member of the Pawtucket Parks Commission, the Pawtucket Riverfront Commission and the Hall of Fame Committee.  She was also a member of the  Pawtucket Redevelopment Committee.

Janice was a long-time member of the BVE bowling and golf leagues and an avid tennis player.  She was instrumental in having the Slater Park tennis courts completely refurbished and expanded to 10 courts. She loved to travel and a favorite memory was visiting Australia to watch the America's Cup Races.  

Janice is survived by her brother William McHale and his wife Marie of Warwick and Florida, her sister Elaine Braga and her partner Michael Gray of Rutland, Massachusetts and Florida and her nieces and nephews: Jamie McHale, Shannon McHale, Timothy McHale, Kevin McHale, Susan A. Morgan and Sarah A. Peck. She was the sister of the late Alta A. Labrecque and James M. Mchale.

The funeral for Janice will be Wednesday, March 4th at 9:30 am from the Manning-Heffern Funeral Home, 68 Broadway, Pawtucket. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Teresa’s Church, 358 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket at 11:00 am. Her burial will be in the McHale family lot in Mt. St. Mary’s Cemetery. The calling hours for Janice will be Tuesday from 4-8 pm in the funeral home. www.manningheffern.com