Janice A. (Hensel) Mattox

Janice A. Mattox, 87 , of South Bend, passed away on Wednesday Morning, December 7, 2022 at The Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, Indiana with her granddaughters, Carrie Ann and Samantha, by her side.

She was born on November 12, 1935 in South Bend, Indiana to Edward I. and Helen A. (Fischer) Hensel.

Janice was a 1953 graduate of Central High School. On October 15, 1955 Janice married the love of her life, Donald E. Mattox at a ceremony in South Bend, Indiana. Janice had great faith and previously attended Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in South Bend, where she was very active and devoted until her retirement from The University of Notre Dame in 1998 when she moved out of the neighborhood.

After her retirement, Janice spent many years volunteering at The Center for Hospice, St Joseph Hospital, and The Montessori classroom at the South Bend Center for Homeless. The connections she made with those she touched stayed with her for the remainder of her life.

Janice loved, loved, loved, camping and traveling. She and her family enjoyed many great trips to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, where they loved going on a “bear hunt” and camping in the wonderful outdoors. She criss-crossed the country with her husband and children visiting every natural wonder they could find. Janice was fortunate enough to visit all 50 states and after the passing of her husband, was able to travel with her daughter and granddaughters to many places around the world.  Janice had a heart of gold and would always express her gratitude and love to those she held dear. Gramma, you have loved us for our whole lives and will miss you for the rest of ours.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Edward I. and Helen A. Hensel, her sisters, Lois L. Zeller, and Betty M. Guyton, her husband, Donald E. Mattox, her daughter, Cheryl A. Leonard and her son in law, Terrence E. Leonard.

She is survived by her son, Dwight J. (Denise) Mattox of North Carolina; her granddaughters, Carrie (Justin) Dunnem of Granger, Sam (Tara) Leonard of Niles, Nicole (Josh) Dillard of North Carolina; and her beloved great grandson, Mattox J. Dunnem of Granger, Indiana.

A private interment will be held at her final resting place, Cedar Grove Cemetery, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Janice’s memory to The Center for Hospice or The Pet Refuge.

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