Ventura, CA

Julia "Anne" Meador passed away on September 15, 2016 with her loving family by her side. She was born on October 3, 1938 in Raeford, North Carolina. At age two, she was diagnosed with a rare tumor disease of the lymphatic system that caused her much pain and suffering throughout her life.

When she was 15 years old, she met Henry (Hank), a young soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, and they married a year later on March 13, 1955. Their first child, Linda Sue, was born in 1956, Deborah Anne in 1958, and Steven Allen in 1959. Hank attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia during the day and worked at the Naval Shipyard at night. After he graduated in 1964, they moved across the country to Ventura to join Anne's family. 

After 33 years of marriage, they were divorced in 1988 and Anne began her first paid job with Food Share, then worked in the Buena High School cafeteria, and then found her place working for ARC in Ventura. She was very independent and considered no job too big to tackle; however, her biggest weakness was smoking. When her health began to fail, she decided to move to the Lexington Assisted Living Home, where she enjoyed independent living for eight years.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lucille Jenkins; her former husband, Hank Meador; and her beloved son Steve. She is survived by her daughter Sue Torres; daughter Debbie (Larry) Williams; brother James Jenkins; sister Carolyn (Leo) Acquistapace. She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren - Michael (Simone) Driscoll; Scott (Robertha) Torres; Stacey (Neal) Ratner; and Brian (Heather) Torres. She adored her 7 great-grandchildren; Kylie, Ava, Maya, Mason, and Gabriella Torres; and Grayson and Gemma Ratner. She also leaves behind her former sister in law Joyce, niece Carol Anne, nephew Kevin and their families.

The family wishes to express gratitude and many thanks to the medical staff at Community Memorial Hospital, especially to nurses Erica & Yahaira, and Dr. Chuck Pankratz. Also many thanks and hugs to everyone at the Lexington Assisted Living Home, especially to Christine, Kishori and Bob. Mom had many friends there that she enjoyed spending time with.

A memorial will be held at a later date in Ventura, California. Her internment will be held privately. The family requests that you consider a donation to Community Memorial Hospital. If you would like to contact the family, please leave a message in the guestbook. Anne was entrusted to the care of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME, Ventura, California.

Published in Ventura County Star on Nov. 13, 2016