Nellie Mae Meadows

Nellie Mae Meadows, 84, of Boardman, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2026, surrounded by what she cherished most-her family.

Born on October 12, 1941, in Dalton, Georgia, Nellie was the daughter of the late John and Minnie (Bagley) Stanley.

In September of 1956, she moved with her family to Youngstown, Ohio, where she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Bryan Meadows Sr. Together, they began what would become the greatest and most important purpose of Nellie's life-growing and loving her family.

Family was the center of Nellie's world. She was a woman of extraordinary strength, resilience, and devotion-fiercely protective, endlessly nurturing, and unwavering in her love. She put her family above all else, always. A true matriarch, Nellie's presence grounded those around her, and her unconditional love shaped generations. She was, without question, one of the strongest women to ever live.

In 1981, Nellie endured the unimaginable loss of her daughter, Cathy Meadows, who was killed by a drunk driver. Rather than allowing grief to consume her, Nellie transformed heartbreak into purpose. That same year, she helped establish the first local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), becoming an early and powerful advocate for awareness, accountability, and change. Through her courage, countless lives were impacted, and her daughter's legacy became one of protection and hope.

Nellie was as hardworking as she was compassionate. Over the years, she worked as a nursing assistant at South Side Hospital, served as the head of the brassiere department at Strouss Department Store, and later worked as a travel agent at Sutton Travel Agency, bringing excellence, pride, and unmistakable confidence to every role she held. Nellie knew her worth, and once, when asked by her supervisor what her wage should be, she answered without hesitation, "You couldn't afford me." Yet the role she considered her highest calling-and the one in which she excelled above all others-was that of mother and homemaker, where she built a home filled with love, beauty, and unwavering devotion.

In her younger years, Nellie was active in a bowling league, embracing competition and camaraderie with enthusiasm. She was also famously sharp and fearless at the card table-a true pinochle card shark, known as the only woman able to outplay even the most elite men's card groups, earning both respect and admiration. Nellie believed deeply in service and civic responsibility. She volunteered her time with Call for Action, offering support through a community help hotline to those in need, and served for many years as a dedicated poll worker, taking great pride in supporting her community and the democratic process.

She was known for her fabulous sense of style and her remarkable talent for decorating-able to turn even the simplest space or moment into a work of beauty. She carried herself with elegance, confidence, and flair, and she was, in every sense of the word she coined, "Exquisive." Her beauty was both timeless and effortless; she once won a Loni Anderson look-alike contest, a moment that perfectly captured her glamour, charm, and fabulous presence. Yet it was her inner beauty-her warmth, strength, and generosity-that left the deepest impression on all who knew her.

Music and beauty filled Nellie's life and home. She loved Elvis and believed music had the power to bring people together. A Coca-Cola was always close at hand, and laughter and stories were always welcome. She also had a deep love for beautiful flowers, especially roses-a love she shared with her husband, Bob, a talented florist. Nellie delighted in their color and elegance, arranging and sharing them with others. Flowers and music, like Nellie herself, brought beauty and comfort wherever they were found.

In her later years, Nellie remained engaged and connected. She was a member of the Youngstown Area Federation of Women's Club, participated in Fortnightly IV, and was involved with Ladies in Little Black Dresses through the Mahoning County Public Library. She was also a cherished member of the Mahoning Valley Literary Club, where her love of books and meaningful conversation flourished.

Known affectionately by many simply as "Gigi," Nellie was far more than a grandmother. She was everyone's Gigi-a source of comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love. To know her was to belong to her.

Nellie will always be remembered by her children, Robert Meadows Jr. of Palm Springs, California, Lori (William) George of Boardman, and Kelli Meadows of Cleveland; her grandchildren, Cathy (Vannessa) Dickson-George, Abigayle (Joshua) Myers, and Blaise George (Michaela Huber); and her adored great-grandchildren, Eloise, Imogen, and Wyatt. She is also survived by her siblings, Terry Stanley of Boardman, Carol (John) Patek of Austintown, and Larry Stanley of Boardman, along with countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her deeply.

Besides her parents, Nellie was preceded in death by the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Bryan Meadows Sr., who passed in 2013; her beloved daughter, Cathy Meadows; her grandson, Michael; and her siblings, Kathy Perry, Robert L. "R.L." Stanley, Mamie R. Anderson, James Clarence Stanley, Jimmy Stanley, Bonnie Amrich, Jerry Stanley, and Shirley Plevniak.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Nellie on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street, Boardman.

A funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at Lake Park Cemetery in Youngstown.

To honor Nellie's legacy of advocacy, strength, and love, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) https://madd.org/ in her name, or to organizations supporting children and families affected by congenital and genetic conditions, in loving memory of her grandson, Michael. Floral tributes are also welcome at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, where they will stand as a reflection of the beauty and grace she brought into the world.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Nellie's family.