THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, January 15, 1996 TAG: 9601150024
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Alice Lela Mendell, 86, a longtime resident of Arlington, Va., died Jan. 14, 1996, in her daughter's home in Virginia Beach.
Mrs. Mendell, who lived in Arlington from 1956 until 1994, was born Alice Lela Berry in 1909 in Prescott, Washington. In 1929, she married Martin M. Mendell, then a private in the U.S. Army. After traveling to military posts around the world, Col. Mendell retired from the Army in 1955, and the Mendells returned to Arlington, where they had lived briefly while on active duty. Col. Mendell died in 1983.
Mrs. Mendell taught sewing classes in Arlington for over 30 years, including basic and advanced sewing skills and also specialized topics such as couture, fitting, and pattern drafting. Each Spring, she conducted a luncheon and fashion show for her students, where they modeled their creations from the year's classes.
In 1994, Mrs. Mendell moved to Virginia Beach, where she had been living with her daughter, Patricia Rhodes. In 1993, Mrs. Mendell hosted a family reunion at her daughter's home that included five generations of her family.
Survivors include her daughter, Patricia; two sons, James E. Mendell of Sausalito, Calif., and Dr. Edward A. Mendell of Portola Valley, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB