NORWICH – Gertrude Mae Meek, 90, of Norwich, passed away early Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010, in the Wilson Memorial Hospital of Johnson City.
The daughter of Allen and Lottie Bryant Phetteplace, Gertrude was born in November of 1920 in Norwich. Growing up in the Oxford and Norwich area, she attended and graduated from the Norwich High School. Gertrude’s first employment was with Zero Lockers in Norwich, and at the age of 75 she returned to the work force by taking a job at Hoppie’s in Oxford. But her real job was in caring for her home and raising her family, where she gave new meaning to the word “homemaker,” She and husband Archie Meek were married in Oxford on March 4, 1945. They resided for most of their years together on the family farm on East River Road. In 1977 they moved to their present home across the road from the farm, where they sold sweet corn at a roadside stand. Gertrude loved plants, flowers, birds and wildlife. Outside her back porch was her special domain where she could watch the birds and animals. She also loved to cook and, in addition to caring for her own family, would provide meals to the hired help on the farm. She excelled in crocheting and also enjoyed doing needlework pieces which were framed and displayed in her home. Visits from her great grandchildren were special to her, and she always looked forward to them. Gertrude never had an unkind word for anyone. Following their retirement, she and Archie traveled extensively throughout the U.S., toured France and Alaska, and took a cruise through the Caribbean. In her earlier years, she had been a member of the Lyon Brook Home Bureau, and was currently a member of the United Church of Oxford.
Gertrude is survived by her husband, Archie, of Norwich; her children and their spouses: Bradley Meek of Port Jefferson, Ronald and Kathy Meek of Norwich, James and Linda Meek of Oxford, Gary and Debbie Meek of Canandaigua, Kevin Meek and companion Cheri Ring of Oxford, and Elaine and Bill Lavacca of Hopewell Junction. Also surviving are her brother, David Phetteplace and wife Joan of Norwich; 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gertrude was predeceased by her son, Charles “Chipper” Meek, and brothers Harold, Richard, and Donald Phetteplace.
Funeral services for Gertrude will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday from the United Church of Oxford. The Rev. Dr. John Hill will officiate. Interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m.
Please consider contributions in Gertrude’s memory to the United Church of Oxford, PO Box 566, Oxford, NY 13830.