Thelma Ann Meechan

Thelma Ann Meechan, 88, a longtime resident of New Philadelphia, died peacefully early Saturday morning, April 3, 2004, in Columbus Alzheimer’s Care Center, in Columbus, OH, where she had been a resident for the past four years. Born in New Philadelphia on January 17, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Nettie Lab Peacock. Thelma was a member of Sacred Heart Church her entire life. She graduated in 1933 from New Philadelphia High School. Two years later, she married Thomas E. Meechan. They spent thirty-five years together before his death on November 16, 1970. Thelma was well known for her involvement in her church. She was a member and a past officer of the Altar Society. She was also instrumental in starting “The Doughnut Hour” following masses.Thelma managed the cafeteria at Sacred Heart Church for many years. Thelma also worked for the former W.T. Grant Co., the Earl Smith Co. and Mitchell’s Photography all within New Philadelphia. Survivors include a daughter, Margaret “Peggy” Meechan of Columbus, O. and a son, James T. (Mary) Meechan of Gahanna, O.She’ll be sadly missed by eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Thelma was preceded in death by a son, Robert E. Meechan in 1988, and a half-brother, Donald Kyle. Friends are invited to call Monday evening from 5 to 8 PM at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia where Christian Wake services will begin at 7:45. Msgr. George J. Schlegel will lead a funeral mass Tuesday morning at 10:30 in Sacred Heart Church. Burial, alongside her husband, will follow in Calvary Cemetery, New Philadelphia. A reception will be given in St. Ambrose Hall, at the corner of 3rd St. NE and Fair Ave. NE, following the committal service. In gratitude for their exemplary care, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Columbus Alzheimer’s Care Center, 700 Jasonway Avenue, Columbus OH 43214.