Mary Helen Meade

Meade, (Kress) Mary Helen

Passed away on October 13, 2025, at age 96 in Rochester, NY. She was predeceased by her love of 68 years, Gerald E. Meade and survived by her three sons; Thomas Meade, Daniel (Annette), Mark (Lorraine) and five daughters; Margaret (Douglas) Gerlach, Eileen (Michael) Oklevitch, Barbara (Thomas) Nicholas, Paula (Michael) Schnurman, and Mary Pat (Robert) Vogel, 13 wonderful grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A life-long resident of the Rochester area, Mary Helen grew up in the 19 th Ward, graduated with honors from Sacred Heart Academy High School on Prince St., and attended art-classes at RIT, when located downtown in Rochester. She met the love of her life, Gerald "Jerry" Meade through connections with her brother, Lawrence and Aquinas Institute. They married in 1951 and were blessed with 8 children.

She spent much of her married life in a lovely old home in the county, in Scottsville, NY tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and actively participating in activities with her children, as her family grew. All that knew her agreed that her family was her life. She was a Girl Scout troop leader for many years and a representative for the Genesee Valley Girl Scouts. She was an active member of the St. Mary's (Scottsville) Rosary Society, where she was also the church secretary for many years. She was a member of the Seventh District Garden Club and created beautiful floral wreaths and other "natural" decor. She and Jerry treasured their years of sharing time with their family and friends at their eventual home on Conesus Lake, welcoming many at July 3 rd Ring of Fire celebrations, for decades. While living on the lake in Livonia, she also worked as a secretary, contributing her creative gifts to Camp Stella Maris and the local Catholic church, St. Matthew's.

After years of traveling the country in a motor home, sailing trips on their sailboat out of Sodus Bay, and numerous tours to Hawaii and the U.K., they shared time in a home in Punta Gorda, FL and a camp in Cape Vincent, with a beautiful view of the St Lawrence River. She was always surrounded by family, friends and water and was an avid 2 nd mate to her husband, Jerry. Her family is grateful for the loving care received at Episcopal Church Home for the last few years of her life.

To honor Mary Helen's memory, live according to her lifelong counsel- "Happiness comes from being kind."

A Memorial Service wil be held in Mary Helen's honor at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Livonia, NY 14487.