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Elender Meinecke Obituary
Preceded in death by husband, Eberhard; she is survived by daughter, Louisa (David) of Boston, MA; son, Curt (Firoozeh) of Wichita, KS; grandchildren, Katrina, Tess, Arman, John; brother, Norman (Pam) of Citra, FL, and her beloved dog, Lillly.
Born in Durham, N.C., to Arthur John Dennis and Mary Gray Dennis, she attended Asbury Methodist Church where she was a choir member and organist. She was presented as a debutante at the Durham Cotillion. She attended Duke University, Smith College (where she met her husband) and the Cleveland Institute of Music. A brilliant classical musician, organist, pianist and choir director (Christ Methodist Church), she also taught history, music and was the director of the musicals at Our Lady of The Elms and at Hoban HS.
She was a supporter of the arts and was president of the Tuesday Musical Society, Children's Concert Society and was musical director of the Magical Theater Company.
She was a world traveler, animal lover, gardener, and community service volunteer. She was a passionate liberal and opinionated pacifist. She was a diehard Duke Blue Devil supporter and loved basketball.
She inspired students and was a devoted grandmother, neighbor, and friend. Many considered her their adopted second mother.
Tremendous thanks goes to Lisa McAvinew for her devoted care.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Buddy Dog Humane Society, 151 Bay State Road, Sudbury, MA 01776 [email protected] or the Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio 44308 www.havenofrest.org.
Details of her celebration of life are to follow. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elender Meinecke
KELLEY
January 24, 2017
MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
Linda Wyatt
January 7, 2017
I had the lovely pleasure of delivering her mail for the last 2 years. Elender would greet me at the door each morning. She was a bright spot in my long day of working where you might not see anyone for hours.
I miss her beautiful smile, her humor, her candy treats and being serenaded by her beautiful voice! I cried when I found out about her passing. I hope she knew how much I valued her friendship. God bless you dear Elender. ❤
Tina Stafford
January 4, 2017
We can hardly believe the news. My husband Andy Paterson and I send our deepest sympathies, and can't believe they are both gone. E&E used to visit NYC and the number of delicious meals, glasses of wine and impassioned conversations shared are too numerous to count. We visited them in Akron, sang around the piano, argued and laughed, and had planned on visiting Elender when we come to Cincinnati in February. Her light lives on in recommended reading, recipes, and the bell tone of her laughter. We love you, Elender and Eberhard.
The Staff of Billow Funeral Homes
January 1, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
December 29, 2016
Elender Meinecke was one of the brightest, most talented, and giving people I knew. She was musical director for countless shows for us at Akron Children's Theater, Magical Theater, then The Illusion Factory. Her wit and humor kept us all laughing. A teacher to us all, we learned from her how to open our hearts to all people. You never knew what Christmas was truly like until you enjoyed a late Christmas eve party at the home of Elender and Eberhard.
Gormet food, good conversation, a Christmas tree with real candles (sandbucket nearby), and carols around the piano! We shall all miss her.
-Bunny Ballance
Alan Klesh
December 26, 2016
A kind and gracious lady. I was lucky to have known her and to be able to count her as a friend. I will keep her in my daily prayers.
Sally Mueller
December 24, 2016
We were lucky to have Elender in charge of our music at Christ Church for so many years. She will be greatly missed in the Akron music world and in the neighborhood, as a teacher, performer, and friend.
Niki Hicks
December 22, 2016
Mrs. Meinecke was my choir teacher and directed the musicals at Hoban high school when I was there 20 years ago. She was a great lady ! Rest In Peace.
Debbie Robinson
December 21, 2016
Louisa and family,
I had the privileged of having Elender as my friend, choir director, voice teacher and mentor for many years while at Christ United Methodist Church. Her spirit will live on through all of us that continue to sing in her honor.
Blessings and prayers to you and your entire family.
Jan (Dorsett) Bayer
December 21, 2016
Curt and Louisa (and families), I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom left a wonderful legacy.
c k
December 20, 2016
So sorry to read of the passing of dear Elender, mother, sister, extended relatives and friends who will miss her and her love of music. Please take comfort in each other at this most difficult time.
gary c noland
December 20, 2016
I had the great privilege of working with Elender when preparing music tracks for The Illusion Factory. Every session was a joyous and professional experience. Goodbye, my friend.
Andrea Lessem
December 20, 2016
Louisa, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Lisa, you were so dependable and gave her wonderful care. My memories of Elender are her influence of love of learning. The piano music coming from across the street will be missed. Her absence will be a huge void in our community family. Such an incredible woman.
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