Barbara Lee Meads

Barbara passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the age of 89, at St. Joseph’s Hospice – London. Born in La Porte, Indiana, she was the only child of Dr. and Mrs. Guy Ingwell. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Ed Meads (2022) for 65 years. Survived by her five children: Dr. Thomas Meads (Christine), Steve Meads (Glenda), Jeff Meads (Margaret), Julie Thome (Andy) and Anne Meads; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Bullock; 11 grandchildren: Spencer Meads, Faith Lataif (Larry), Sarah Cunningham (Thomas), Tim Meads (Maggie), John Meads (Sukriti), Claire Scott (Tyler), Dr. Drew Thome (Jen), Katie Grumney (Nelson), Liesl Bauer (Andy), Harry Thome and Anna Meads; and nine great-grandchildren: Ellie, Charlie and George Grumney, Missy and Colleen Meads, Krishtian and Naina Meads, Charlie Scott and Lilly Thome. Predeceased by grandson, Michael Meads.

Barbara was raised in Knox, Indiana. She attended high school at her beloved Ferry Hall outside of Chicago, and then went on to the University of Michigan, where she met Ed. She and Ed were married in Ann Arbor in 1957, and then moved to London, Ontario, where Ed enrolled at UWO Faculty of Medicine, and Barb taught school. After medical school, the family made moves to Detroit, Nashville, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Ed was drafted into the US Army Medical Corps and served one year in Vietnam. Barbara and her four young children moved back to London to await Ed’s return, where they received tremendous support from her London friends. Upon his return, Ed began his medical practice and Barbara raised their four children until Anne’s birth in the summer of 1979; then there were five.

In addition to raising her children, Barb also enjoyed playing bridge, was a member of May Court Club of London, volunteered at St. Pius X Church, was a member of the Catholic Women’s League, the London Hunt Club, and attended most of her children’s activities and many football games for the University of Michigan.

Barbara had a passion for all current events. She kept up to date on all things local, national, and international when it came to politics, entertainment, sports, business, health, weather, and science by reading many newspapers, magazines, and newscasts – never using the internet.

Above all, though, was her passion and love for her children and grandchildren. She always knew what each of them were involved with on any given day. Her two favourite photos on her nightstand were of all her grandchildren and her husband.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family service at Westview Funeral Chapel at a later date. Interment will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice for all of their compassionate care during Barbara’s stay. You are truly angels that provided care, comfort, and peace to our mother, and in lieu of flowers and in her memory, donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, London would be appreciated and meaningful to the family.