Gone but not forgotten.

Connie Meintasis, Marion Thibodeau, and Jan Brown were remembered Tuesday by members and friends of Manteca Soroptimist.

“All are dearly missed,” said Soroptimist Carol Nunes. “Their legacy will go one for a lifetime.”

The memories of Meintasis, Thibodeau, and Brown are now part of Soroptimist Grove, a park located at Snowcap Drive and Pestana Avenue.

“Each tree in our grove represents all the special people we’ve known – it is through their many hours of service and grace that we are joined each year,” Nunes said at the late morning event.

Soroptimist Grove currently has 43 trees along with a memory bench and a large plaque with nine more names which serves as a spot for reflection.

Meintasis was one of the original members who spearheaded plans for Soroptimist Grove. She worked for the City of Manteca to help make it a reality.

“She wasn’t just a member – she was a very involved member,” said her close friend Arleen Sevor.

Besides Soroptimist, Meintasis was involved locally in the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Salvation Army for many years.

Thibodeau was “a force to reckoned with,” said Gayl Wilson.

She served as president of Soroptimist in the 1970s as well as being instrumental in supporting and advising the local Venture Club – chapter members were also in attendance.

As for Brown, she was remembered for her efforts of being “beyond Soroptimist,” said Annie Cunial, speaking on behalf of Sharon Cunial.

Jan and her husband Jim – as in the legendary local coach Jim Brown – and Sharon and Dino Cunial were two very close families.

Annie Cunial recalled how generous Brown was in helping with the various functions at East Union High, including the annual Crab Feed, raffles, and her downtown business, the old Allen’s Jewelry.

Added Nunes: “(Jan) shared her kindness and talents with us and every single person who was lucky enough to know her.”

Upcoming fundraiser

  The Manteca Soroptimist and Manteca Morning Rotary are having their 3rd annual Hawaiian Nights Dinner, Saturday, June 1,  at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a no-host bar and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 each for a Hawaiian dinner of a whole roasted pig, Hawaiian style rice, pasta salad and fresh fruit. 

The evening will have a fun dessert auction, along with many raffle items.

For tickets call 209-470-3585.