Bernadette Meads

Bernadette Meads, 87, passed away on December 22, 2020 at 9:45 p.m., Ireland time, with her loving husband and family by her side. She was born to Edward and Kathleen McCourt on February 10, 1933 in Derry, Ireland. During the Korean War, Bernadette met Jim Meads while he was on Liberty in Ireland. They stayed connected through mail until Bernadette moved to the United States, where she lived with her aunt in Chicago. On May 30, 1954 she and Jim were united in matrimony and began their life together. Shortly after marrying, in 1957, the couple were led to Toledo following Jim’s job transfer. After their move to Toledo, she began working for Shinners until she and her husband purchased the business, which now operates as House of Meats. Alongside her husband, she handled the payroll and worked as a bookkeeper there for many years. While she was dedicated to her work, she was above all dedicated to her family. With Jim, she raised four children and it was with her family that she found her greatest joy and her primary vocation in life as a wife and a mother. Those who loved Bernadette will remember the enjoyment that she found in Irish dance and music, reading, and spending time with her dear dog, Eddie. She loved to travel with Jim especially to their winter home in Florida and to her native Ireland. A strong and devout Catholic through her life, she was an active member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Toledo, where she found and fostered numerous lasting relationships. With her lovely voice, Bernadette had the honor of singing for the Pope with her choir group. Throughout her life, she found comfort in her faith and made it a constant reality by attending daily Mass. Truly a woman who embodied elegance, grace, and kindness, Bernadette will be missed by all she leaves behind. Left to cherish her memory are the love of her life and husband of 66 years, Jim Meads; her children, Kate (Chuck) Horner, Deborah D’Emilo; Jim (DeAnna) Meads, Jr., and Erin (Paul) Darah; brother, John (Jane) McCourt; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren whom she loved immensely. She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Edward, Lena, and Rose. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., January 4, 2021 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614, where Mass will be prayed 11:00 a.m. Mass can be viewed via livestream by visiting the St. Joan of Arc YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrxq6LERIJa00cezHetv3jQ/featured). Bernadette will be laid to rest with her parents and family in Ireland. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.