Janice Marie (MacKoul) Randolph

Janice Randolph, a radiant spirit and unforgettable presence, died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025. She was 78 years old.

Janice, a selfless woman, had "a heart of gold” and room in her heart for everyone she met. She was extremely compassionate and generous with her love, time, and resources, helping anyone she could. Indeed, she was the epitome of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, and her creativity, love, wisdom, foresight, and charisma enhanced the quality of life for all who knew her. Janice’s philosophy and values in life that she instilled in her children were: “be kind, be generous, be useful, and be fearless.” She was the heart of every celebration, the soul of every gathering, and the source of countless memories that will live on in the stories told by those lucky enough to have known her. Janice was famous for affectionately calling everyone “Honey.”

A woman of enormous heart, curiosity, and unmistakable vitality, Janice made every day feel like a celebration—and loved all celebrations, especially her birthday. She had a zeal for life that was impossible to ignore. After retiring in New York, where she spent the majority of her adult life, Janice continued to live vibrantly—taking courses, attending Broadway shows, volunteering through Mount Sinai with the SAVI organization (which counsels women in emergency departments who have been sexually assaulted), and immersing herself in the city’s cultural life with her signature enthusiasm. She brought joy, humor, and a spark to everything she did and insisted on making the most of every moment.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Raymond J. MacKoul and Mabel R. (Forzley) MacKoul Assad, Janice grew up surrounded by the warmth of a close-knit Lebanese-American community. Her parents were proud pillars of the Worcester community, and Janice carried that same deep-rooted sense of family and faith throughout her life. Janice earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Anna Maria College and went on to receive her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston College. She dedicated her career as a psychiatric social worker to the compassionate care of individuals with mental health challenges, working at esteemed institutions including Massachusetts General Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Janice worked with the American Red Cross at the World Trade Center site, counseling victims, their families, and first responders in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy. Her work reflected her core belief in service, dignity, and lifting up those in need.

Janice shared 53 beautiful years of marriage with her husband and the love of her life, William “Bill” Randolph. Together they raised two devoted children: William Randolph II and his wife Joanna Dixon of Andover, Massachusetts, and Dr. Rachel E. Randolph, MD, and her husband Roy Levkovitz of New York City. She was the proud and doting Sitto (grandmother) to Annabelle Marie and William Bryan Randolph III. She also leaves behind her loving stepsister, Marilyn Keller, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends across the communities she cherished. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, R. John MacKoul Jr., and stepbrother Stephen Assad.

Janice’s life was shaped by her deep Christian Orthodox faith. A member of both St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Manhattan, her spirituality was steadfast and sustaining. Her strength, resilience, and belief in moving forward with grace were evident to all who knew her. She lived by her values—faith, family, hard work, and friendship—and brought mindfulness and positivity to everything she touched.

Throughout her life, Janice built treasured relationships and left lasting memories in the places she loved most: Massachusetts, where she grew up; New York City, where she explored life with vibrant curiosity; and York, Maine, where she summered for decades and formed lifelong friendships. No matter the setting, Janice found—and created—community.

Friends and family are invited to gather during calling hours on Friday, January 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, January 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester, followed by her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Janice’s name to the Almaza Forzley Fund, a fund for women in need that Janice founded, c/o the Women’s Club at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester, MA 01604. This fund provides emergency food and shelter assistance to members of the St. George Cathedral community and their families.

"May Her Memory Be Eternal. May She Rest in Peace."  

The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street is honored to assist the family with arrangements.