Janice MacKenzie, 80
On August 28, 2025, after a lifetime of caring for others, Janice MacKenzie passed away peacefully with her two children by her side. A longtime resident of Wareham, MA, she was 80 years old, having just celebrated her birthday with family at Brewfish Restaurant in Marion, MA., where she received a rousing round of applause as she left the restaurant.
She leaves behind her son, Daniel MacKenzie, and his wife, Lisa MacKenzie of Sagamore Beach, MA., her daughter, Jeanine MacKenzie Hanson, and her husband, Matthew Hanson of Buzzards Bay MA. and two grandchildren, Hannah MacKenzie of Austin, TX., and Liam MacKenzie of Somerville, MA., who will forever cherish their childhood memories of “Wednesdays with Meme”. She was predeceased by her parents, Jeanette and Roland Desjardins. She never lived in a world without Neil Diamond.
She worked as a waitress for many years until 2020, when lung surgery and COVID finally put an end to her serving the public. She made many friends in the food industry while working at various restaurants and diners in the area: Vels in Wareham, the former Sippican Café in Marion, and most recently The Riverside Café in downtown Wareham. Rare was the time when she would be out to dinner or shopping and wouldn’t see several friends or customers she had served over the years. She loved to engage with people and share a laugh or a wisecrack.
She worked most famously at the Mill Pond Diner in Wareham for over 25 years, welcoming the early morning commuters and local tradesmen with a cup of coffee, a smile, or a comedic remark. No matter what, it was a jump-start to your day.
She loved to have a cocktail and be with her people. She could not resist using emojis. You knew it was a birthday text from her when it began with musical notes, was interspersed with party hats, and ended with about 6 big red hearts. She loved the theatre. In her early years, she was a member of The Gateway Playhouse under the direction of George Hayden appearing in productions of “Finian’s Rainbow” and “Cabaret”, to mention a few.
If you wish to honor her memory, you may donate in her name to the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, where she received outstanding lifesaving care as a patient over the past few years.
Janice’s wish was for no formal services but rather a big party. A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, from 2- 6 pm at Stone Path Malt in Wareham, MA. All who would like to pay their respects, share memories, stories or photographs are welcome to attend.
