Obituary of Frances Meadows

Frances Meadows, age 83, of Whitewater, WI passed away on Monday January 7, 2013 at the St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Frances was born in Madison, Wisconsin the daughter of Peter and Antonia (Cabone) Capacio. She married James L. Meadows. Frances accepted Christ and was baptized at the First Baptist Church on March 13, 1960 by the Rev. Harold Sailor. Surviving are: Husband: James L. Meadows, Whitewater, WI, Children: Kathryn (Patrick) Kane, McHenry, IL and Wilford T. Meadows, Whitewater, WI, Grandchildren: Amy Kane, Brian (Abby) Kane, Laura Kane, and Kevin Kane, Great-grandchildren: Kayla and Angela Elliott, and Sister Jenny (Donald) Walker, Madison, WI and many nieces and nephews. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Brothers: George, Vito, and James, and Sisters: Mary, Minnie, Fina, Sarah, and an infant sister Jennie. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Lori Turner for her love, kindness, visits, and her many meals during Fran's last 3 years at home. Fran started working for the UW-Whitewater (Whitewater State College) in October 1961 as a Stenographer 1 in the office of the Dean of Women (Cora Forbush) and the Dean of Men (Clayton Droullard). In her more than 34 years of employment for the university she progressed through the secretarial ranks. Her entire career at the university was spent providing secretarial support to campus administrators. These include Ike Schaffer, Vice President for Student Affairs; Noel Richards, Associate Dean of Faculties (later Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs); and three of the universities chancellors: William L. Carter, James R. Connor, and H. Gaylon Greenhill. In Fran's last job assignment, she worked for Associate Vice Chancellor Thomas Walterman and Assistant Vice Chancellor Susan Moss. In 1969, Fran began taking classes to complete her Bachelor's degree with a major in Secretarial Administration. She finished her degree in 1975. At Fran's retirement, Chancellor Greenhill said: "It has been my pleasure to know Fran Meadows for nearly thirty three years of service to the UW-Whitewater. Fran is a consummate professional. She was dedicated to UW-Whitewater whatever her role. She could handle tense situations better than anyone else because she was an excellent listener. Many times she diffused volatile situations with her calm manner and commitment to go the extra mile." Fran was active in many community and church organizations including the 4H, assisting Jim with the Boy Scouts, American Legion Auxiliary, Whitewater Professional Secretaries Assoc., Order of the Eastern Star, teacher and choir member at the Fort Atkinson Baptist Church, and most recently offering bread making demonstrations at the Madison Italian Workman's Culture tent. After Jim's retirement in 1991, after 25 years of service with the Walworth County Department of Social Services, Fran kept very busy with honey production and gardening on their North Cold Spring Road farmette. She was often seen selling at area farm markets. One of Fran's favorite activities in retirement was attending the many sporting and musical events of her grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donation to the Whitewater Food Pantry would be appreciated. A Memorial Service is scheduled for March 16, 2013 at the Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 11:00AM, with a Service at 12:30PM with the Rev. Jerald Wendt officiating.