Joyce A. Mello

Joyce Alice Mello

Joyce A. Mello, 88, of Lewes, DE, died on January 6, 2026 after a full and always interesting life. Joyce was born on October 1, 1937, the only child of Alice and Kenneth W. Jansen in Providence R.I. Joyce took her cues in life from her lifelong hero, her Dad. She was fiercely independent, smart, and always seeking new challenges. She did not fear change and was willing to take chances for a new adventure.

After graduation from East Providence High she met her lifelong partner in life, Ed Mello, at Jack Whitcheys Dance Hall in Providence. They were soon married and began their journey together. At this same time, Joyce completed Beauty School and operated her first business out of her home, Joyce's Beauty Salon. The Mello's went on to have three children, Lisa, Lori, and Steven. Joyce managed to watch the kids in between setting curlers for customers.

The couple felt the lure of the suburbs and made the five mile trek to Seekonk, Massachusetts in the late 60's. A lifelong learner, Joyce took secretarial classes and was employed at an Attorney's office in Providence. It didn't take long for the couple to find out that the idyllic suburban life was not for them. Joyce would call it "boring".

The couple took their young family on vacation to Baker Brook Resort in Littleton, NH in the summer of 1971. They were struck with the beauty of NH and discovered a small drive-in restaurant for sale on Rt.16 in Ossipee, NH. Three months later they moved the family to Ossipee and started their first business together, Mello's Restaurant and Drive-In. The family business prospered for over ten years and shaped lifelong family relationships. Joyce loved the fact that the whole family worked together in the business. Lisa worked the front with Joyce, Lori worked the kitchen with Ed, and Steve started in the dishroom. Joyce would often recall these years working as a family as the fondest time of her life.

Joyce was a dreamer and was always researching the couple's next adventure. Joyce felt that the freedom of working for herself was worth more than any amount of money. Joyce and Ed went on to operate restaurants in Rochester and Alton, NH as well as a laundromat in Milton, NH. In later years they moved to the warmer climate of Delaware where they lived until their death. They didn't take to retirement very well and started in the antique and collectible business. They enjoyed attending auctions and combing the countryside for treasures. When Joyce wasn't operating her own business she enjoyed dreaming up business ideas for her kids.

Joyce often referred to being an only child as the reason she kept a small inner circle. Her loyalty to friends and family in the circle was fierce.

Joyce was a smart and serious person, but also possessed a witty self- deprecating sense of humor. She enjoyed being the brunt of some friendly family teasing. She would say later in life that she lived her life the way she wanted and would not change a thing. Joyce was predeceased by husband and partner of 66 years, Ed Mello, in 2018. Joyce and Ed's relationship was anchored in respect. They could disagree but always respected each other even if it meant Ed had to bite his lip a bit. They valued each other's strengths and what the other brought to the team. Joyce was the visionary CEO and Ed was in charge of operations.

Joyce was proud of her family and encouraged all of them to follow their dreams. She was a unique person and will be missed.