Our much loved Louise left this life on August 2, 2000, after a long illness, which she bore with patience and grace.
She was born to Hyrum and Florence Christensen in Los Angeles, California on Feb. 18, 1926, and enjoyed 53 years of love and companionship with her husband William Anderson Meaders - her "Andy," who has given her a lifetime of tenderness and five years of devoted care.
He survives her, as do her children, Christine and George Durham, Therese Moore, and William and Ellen Meaders; twenty grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and her brother Rex B. Christensen and wife Patricia. She also leaves behind many friends all over the world.
Louise lived a remarkable life. She spent virtually all of her first thirty years in the place where she was born and attended school. Thereafter, she lived in Washington D.C., Paris, France, SaoPaulo, Brazil, Bogota, Colombia, Asuncion, Paraguay, LaPaz, Bolivia, Durham, N.C., and St. Martin in the West Indies, eventually retiring with her husband to Salt Lake City in 1979. She spoke four languages, loved art, music (especially opera), and travel, and read constantly all her life. She was independent, outspoken, and always ready for an adventure. Her family was dear to her and she supported her children and grandchildren in every way she could. Even in the recent difficult years, a visit from a great-grandchildren could be counted on to elicit a beautiful smile and expressions of pleasure.
In addition to her devotion to family, including her support of her husband's career abroad, Louise was generous with her energy and talent, particularly to her church and its people. Her chief love was the Primary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which she worked for many years. In the 1960s she served as the Primary coordinator for the French Mission of the Church, and taught Primary children and their leaders in their own language all over France. She also served as a Relief Society president in five countries. With her husband, she completed missions for the Church at the Washington D. C. Temple from 1978-79, and in the French West Indies from 1990-92. Louise's commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ shaped her life, and was at the core of all she did and all she was. Her radiance illuminated many lives and many hearts; she will be missed, and remembered.
The family would like to express gratitude for the gentle care Louise received from the caregivers at St. Joseph Villa the past several months, and to her attentive physician Cherie Brunker.
Funeral services will be held Mon., August 7, 2000, at 12 noon in the Forestview Ward Chapel at 1111 East Charlton Avenue (2815 So.), Salt Lake City. Friends may call Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, and at the Forestview Chapel on Monday one hour prior to the service. Entombment, Salt Lake Mausoleum.