Kathleen A. Meintzer

1944 - 2023

Kathleen Ann Meintzer (née Waldron), devoted wife, beloved mother, and grandmother, and enduring friend to many, died peacefully at home in Denver, Colorado surrounded by family on January 17, 2023. She was born on September 25, 1944, in Chicago, IL to Thomas and Mary Ellen (Ashe) Waldron. Kay grew up on the southside of Chicago and attended St. Scholastica Academy graduating in 1962. She then graduated from St. Therese School of Nursing in Waukegan, IL and moved to Baltimore, MD to work at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Kay married Edward Delore Meintzer on June 17, 1967, in Lake Forest, IL and they lived throughout the United States until they settled in Denver, CO. In 1984, Kay returned to nursing while continuing to raise her five children. She worked as a psychiatric nurse for 25 years at University Hospital and Ft. Logan Mental Health Hospital; eventually reaching the position of Assistant Head Nurse. Even after retiring, she worked part-time at a pediatric practice.

Kay rarely, if ever, bragged about herself or her accomplishments, but she was immensely proud of her family and her Irish roots (confirmed to be over 85% with DNA testing). She described herself as a very positive person and always hoping for the best. Kay passed on her love of sports and her cheering could always be heard at sporting events. Her smile was radiant, and her laughter was contagious. Kay's family and friends describe her as the rock of her family, a "powerhouse," the ultimate nurturer and caregiver, and the light and life of the party. Kay loved the simple joys of life like her grandchildren, a sunny day on her back deck, or a good salad recipe. When she saw beautiful scenery, it supported her strong conviction and faith in God. Kay also loved dancing, spending time with her family and listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Kay was preceded in death by her brother Thomas J. Waldron and sister Mary Ellen Dickens. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Edward D. Meintzer, and son Edward P. Meintzer (Shelley), son Thomas Meintzer (Luisa), daughter Suzanne Meintzer, daughter Mary Kay Meintzer, and son Michael Meintzer (Cera). She is also survived by her brother, Gerald Waldron, and her grandchildren Emily, Lauren, Solana, Elijah, Cleo, and Ikenna, as well as her niece Kathleen Dickens, and numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In Kay's honor there will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday, March 16th with a Funeral Service at St. Thomas More followed by burial at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver on March 17th.

If you wish to see or add memories of Kay, please visit the website dedicated to her life. https://everloved.com/life-of/kathleen-meintzer/