Letitia F. James, 89, of Swansea, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on December 7, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Dr. Francis M. James. Always with a smile and a warm embrace, Letitia was the epitome of graciousness. She loved her family above all else and her legacy lives on through her grandchildren and her demonstrated commitment to the values of kindness, education, and travel.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 22, 1933, Letitia was the eldest child of Russell Bradford Meinhold and Jane Boyd Meinhold. She graduated at the top of her class from Rogers High School in 1951, and then attended the Rhode Island School of Design where she graduated with a BS in Chemistry and Textile Coloring in 1955.
Known for her keen intelligence, Letitia was a Polymer Chemist at American Cyanamid in New Jersey from 1955 -1961 and was part of the team that created the original laundry detergent pod. After marrying the love of her life, Francis M. James, Letitia taught Chemistry at Lincoln School in Providence, RI, and then used her many talents to give back to the community. Her lengthy list of accomplishments is a tribute to her dedication and commitment to making a difference: President of Union -Truesdale Hospital Auxiliary, President of the Family Service Association of Greater Fall River, Presiding Clerk of the Board of Overseers for Lincoln School in Providence, RI, Board Member of the Bristol Community College Foundation, Board Member of the Fall River YMCA and member of the Junior League of Fall River. She was also proud and honored to be appointed to the Board of Bay Coast Bank where she served for many years and remains an Honorary Board Director.
Tish’s happiest moments were spent sailing on Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound with her husband Francis, family, and friends on their sloop Deliverance. As a long-term member of the New Bedford Yacht Club in South Dartmouth, Mass, and an expert marine and celestial navigator, she set courses from Padanaram to Cuttyhunk to Southeast Harbor, ME and many destinations along the way. Often in pea soup fog, as a testament to her expertise, the ship to shore radio would be chattering with fellow sailors asking for her coordinates. Regardless of the port of call, Tish would get Deliverance to the first bell off the harbor and, always the consummate hostess, would soon have the cocktail table ready for the cockpit. To her family, Nana Tish was the enthusiast about traditions making every birthday an event and every holiday a celebration to remember. She was a voracious reader, a passionate traveler, a supporter of the Boston Ballet, the New York Opera at the Met and Trinity Repertory Theater. Well-loved for her collection of “rules to live by”, and none better than her belief that, “People are what really matter”.
Letitia was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Francis, her brothers Charles and Leonard Meinhold and her beautiful daughter, Sarah James Garrett. She leaves behind her sister Mary Lou Fogarty (James), daughter, Susan James Geremia & husband Louis Geremia, of Dover, MA; grandchildren, Eliza, Catherine, and Christopher Geremia; Son-in-law Dave Garrett (Sandy), grandchild Nathaniel Garrett and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to offer their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to her wonderful caregivers for their love, support, and kindness.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 9:15 -10:15 AM in St Thomas More Church, 386 Luther Ave, Somerset followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be private. If desired, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA (www.rosekennedygreenway.org).
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