Loretta Agnes Clark Meade

Loretta Agnes Clark Meade transitioned from her earthly home into her heavenly home on September 10, 2015 surrounded by loved ones.

Loretta was born on March 11, 1928 in Elmira, NY to parents, Lawrence and Susan Agnes Shanley Clark. She married her beloved husband, Francis B. Meade on October 12, 1946. The two made a family and celebrated the births of six children.

Loretta was preceded in death by both her parents. She suffered the loss of her life partner, Francis, on January 29, 1979. She is also predeceased by her daughter, Jacqueline and brother, Edgar at birth; great granddaughter, Olivia Bowers; sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret and Tom Edmister, Mary and Donald Edmister, Mae and Kenneth Deery, Martha and Edwin Weed, Lorena and Werd Coolbaugh; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Crete and Oril St. Louis, Florence and Chuck Stuck and Rose and Ray Borden.

A loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and guardian to all Loretta leaves to cherish in her memory her children that love her; daughters, Jo Ann Bowers and Susan Dhifaoui ; her sons, Alan Meade, Sheldon Meade and Joel (Brenda) Meade. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Eric (Alexandra) Bowers , Jason (Catherine) Bowers,and Brittney Meade and her great grandson, Justin Bowers. Loretta "Aunt Ret/ Petch" was also a caring aunt of nieces and nephews and their children on both sides of the family. All of whom had the privilege of personal relationships with her. Her level of compassion, devotion and dedication to her family was of paramount importance to her.

Loretta was employed by Eclipse Washborn and Wilson Seed Company prior to having children. She suspended her own personal aspirations when she married and started her family. Loretta will be remembered mostly for her thoughtfulness, generosity, strength, grace and for her heart.

Her family warmly welcomes relatives and friends to call at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY on Monday, September 14th from 5 to 7 p.m. for visitation and viewing. Loretta's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Christopher Linsler on Tuesday, September 15th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary our Mother Church, 816 W. Broad St., Horseheads, NY. Friends may call at the church prior to the Mass for visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Loretta will conclude the journey she began in 1928 when she is laid to rest peacefully next to her beloved husband, Francis, in St. Mary our Mother Cemetery. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support in many heartfelt forms from too many people to name individually. A special thanks to James and Mary Bush and family, Diane Bianco and family, Rose Apgar and family, Rick Chavez, Brenda Doucett, Jolene Swick and family and Sheila Guy (Shelia's Salon). Donations in Loretta's memory may be made to St. Mary our Mother in care of cemetery fund or to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.