Janet Trivits Mendenhall

Janet T. Mendenhall, 86, of Newark, Delaware, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Born in Wilmington on January 28, 1939, Janet was the daughter of the late Robert and Helen (Hopkins) Trivits. She was a proud graduate of Conrad High School and started her professional life at the DuPont Company before discovering her true passion in early childhood education.

In 1975, Janet began a remarkable 45-year career as a preschool teacher at St. Mark’s Prekindergarten. Known for her gentle nature, warm smile, and boundless patience, she was often the most requested teacher by families. Janet had an extraordinary ability to connect with young children, bringing joy, creativity, and compassion into her classroom each day. Her impact was lasting.  Many of her former students and their parents stayed in touch with her, a testament to the deep and meaningful connections she formed.

Outside the classroom, Janet loved entertaining and celebrating holidays, always finding joy in bringing people together. She cherished her weekly lunches with close friends and looked forward to vacations in her favorite place, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Janet was deeply devoted to her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Milton Mendenhall II, who passed away in 1999. She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Mendenhall (husband, James Barron – deceased December, 2024) and Donna Paproth (husband, David); her grandchildren, Shelby and Casey Paproth; her step-grandchildren, Julie Barron Morrill (husband, Jeff) and Christopher Barron (wife, Ashley); and her great-granddaughter, Isla Rose Barron.

Funeral services and interment will be held privately at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 31, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Columbus Inn, 2216 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Janet may be made to St. Mark’s Pre-Kindergarten, 1700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19804.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janet Trivits Mendenhall, please visit our floral store.