Ann C. Mentzer

Ann Cecelia (Staines) Mentzer, beloved wife of the late George B. Mentzer and devoted mother of John B. Mentzer, passed away peacefully October 30, 2025.
Born in Boston on July 16, 1934, to Samuel Edgar Staines and Phila Marie (Linville) Staines, Ann moved with her parents and older sister Phila to New Jersey at a young age, eventually settling in Allendale.
A graduate of Ramsey High School in Ramsey, NJ, and the New York School of Interior Design, Ann possessed a lifelong passion for color, fabric, and design. Early in her career, she worked in New York City for Morton Sondor Drapery Fabrics, and later for the Sheraton Hotel Corporation in Boston, where she served as a decorator-supervising design installations and directing teams to bring her creative visions to life.
Ann and George made their home in Medfield, Massachusetts, where they raised their son, John. Together, they enjoyed traveling-especially by train-and spent many happy vacations in Florida and Orleans, on Cape Cod.
A proud and active member of the Medfield Historical Society, Ann contributed her time and talents for many years, including service as Secretary, and created a detailed map of the town's historic sites that reflected her deep appreciation for local history.
Ann continued to pursue her love of design throughout her life, working with fabrics at Jackson Fabric Company and other shops, including the Franklin Mill Store, where she was a trusted decorating consultant. Remarkably energetic, she was known to haul bolts of fabric well into her eighties.
Ann will be remembered for her feisty spirit, quick wit, and unfailing eye for beauty and craftsmanship. She cherished antiques, good conversation, and the company of those she loved.
She is survived by her son John, her sister Phila, nieces Becky Slade Yoshitani, Joan Slade Riley, Kathy Slade (McGuire), Lynn Mentzer Jarvis, and their husbands; nephews Russel Mentzer and Stephen Mentzer and their wives; several great-nieces and nephews; and a great-great niece.
All are invited to attend a family led prayer service on Saturday, November 8, 2025, 1:00 PM at Roberts Mitchell Caruso Funeral Home, 15 Miller Street, Medfield, MA 02052. The family will begin receiving guests at 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow immediately at Vine Lake Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medfield Historical Society at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2MJVXV976HNM2.