"Deirdre Mecke was amazing! She taught me how to whistle. She taught me how to blow a bubble with Bazooka Joe. I sat across from her in the Overbrook dining room many times, and she always had my attention. She entranced me! I also had the extraordinary pleasure of dining in her home; sitting at Her table eating the the meal I knew she prepared for all day. She was the best, and I was most fond of her. RIP Mrs. Mecke"
In loving memory of
Deirdre J. Mecke
September 7, 1939 - April 4, 2014
Deirdre J. Mecke age 74, of Fort Washington PA, died peacefully Friday, April 4, 2014 at home with her family. Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Paul and Katherine (nee McCahey) Jones.
Deirdre was a graduate of Ravenhill Academy in Philadelphia where she served as head of the alumnae association; she also attended Rosemont College. She was the business manager of the Academy of Notre Dame De Namur in Villanova, PA for 20 years prior to her retirement in 2009.
Deirdre believed in the strength of community and was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Ambler. She was a Eucharistic Minister and served on the Pastoral Council. Deirdre also served on the Board of Directors at the Quaker School at Horsham and was a member of the Philadelphia Area Independent School Business Officers Association.
When her children left home, Deirdre had the opportunity to rekindle her lifelong passions for travel and golf. She was a world traveller and whether it was riding a camel in Egypt, driving a VW van across Europe, vacationing in Hawaii, introducing Celtics legend Larry Bird to her son, enjoying an Italian spa or dining on the Queen Mary, Deirdre lived for new adventures.
The only thing that made Deirdre happier than traveling was being on the golf course with friends; she won the first of several local club championships at the Abington Club in 1995 and scored a hole in one at the famed 15th hole at the Landmark Club in Palm Desert, CA. She played several times a week and enjoyed golf courses throughout the world with her home course being the former Horsham Valley Golf Club. Few things in life brought her as much joy as playing with her devoted companion Henry Nichols as she stood over a 5-foot putt with the match on the line.
A family archivist - Deirdre compiled the columns, books and writings of her late father Paul Jones, author and Philadelphia Evening Bulletin columnist, which are now on display at the University of Pennsylvania. She was often fond of mentioning that she had only lived in two houses all of her life - Wynnestay, one of the oldest still existing homes in Philadelphia and her home in Fort Washington where she lived for 50 years.
Deirdre led her life with love, strength and dignity. She made the most challenging moments of life seem easy and found joy in the quiet moments. A dedicated mother, a beloved aunt and a loving friend, Deirdre's great sense of humor, sharp wit, inquisitive mind and calm composure made the world a brighter place for all who knew and loved her.
Deirdre is survived by her devoted children Quintin C. Mecke of San Francisco, CA and Deirdre McLean of Revere, PA and her longtime companion Henry Nichols of Wayne, PA. Her brothers Hugh Jones of Minneapolis, MN and Thomas O. Jones of New York City, NY also survive her. Her older sister, Beatrice Goodall, who died in 1992, predeceased Deirdre.
Relatives and friends are invited after 9:15 AM on April 25, 2014 to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 259 Forest Avenue, Ambler, PA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM with Pastor, Msgr. Stephen P. McHenry with a reception to follow. Interment will be private.
Remembrances in her name to The Breathing Room Foundation
P.O. Box 287 Jenkintown, Pa 19046 http://www.breathingroomfdn.org
would be appreciated.
Tributes and Photos may be shared on www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
Tributes
"Dede was our "baby sister" in the long ago. Every one of us felt a responsibility to make sure she was safe. I often wonder if she knew what insanity her brothers and the rest of us were involved in. I think so. Beyond that tousled head, beautiful eyes and smiling face, a woman of great courage and wonderful personal graciousness was developing, She enriched the lives of every single one of us. Special. Never to be duplicated. Charles Reilly, Jr. for all the Reillys."
"My sister Margie and I spent many a day on the Jones' front porch playing Canasta with Deirdre and watching her take ticks off of their dog Inky. Oh if her Mom and Dad ever knew some of the crazy things we did when they were at work. Water fights in the house, climbing out on the roof of their house and posting notes on their neighbors' window, and tossing apples and climbing trees. She could really climb a tree. She was fearless. We have many fond memories of our friend Deirdre and I remember being very sad when she went off to Ravenhill because we would not be on similar schedules anymore. I reconnected with Deidre a little when she worked at Notre Dame and my girls were students there. Her passing hit me hard. She was very smart and very funny. I wish I had spent some time with her after she retired. She must be up there with the angels smiling down on all of us. Goodbye Deidre. I hope to see you in the next life."
"It matters not how long you live, but how well.
Author: Publius Syrus
I have the honor of being a friend to a remarkable woman. Although she is gone her courage, extraordinary strength and loving spirit lives within me; forever in my heart.
"
"My Mother-in-law, Myrtle Bimson, was governess, house-manager for years while the children were young. We, the Bimson family, send our sympathy and love to Quentin and Diedre. Sorry I will be not be able to join you and family but, I do hope you have fond memories of Mrs. Bimson's time spent with you. Peace, Claire Bimson"
"I was blessed to be Dierdre's golf pro at The Abington Club for several years in the early-90's. Nobody was more enthusiastic about the club and membership than she was and, more importantly to me, nobody was more supportive and gave me more mentoring than her. Our paths went different ways in 1996 when I left but I'd run into her at least once a year at the club I was working at and couldn't wait to get a hug and smile from her! We'll all miss her terribly and she likely doesn't realize the positive impact she had on my life, but I'm sure there are many people like me out there who she touched in unspoken ways. Jim Smith Jr. PGA Director of Golf The Philadelphia Cricket Club"
"I still remember the last time Deidree came to visit us at Sant Cugat del Vallés (Barcelona). It was a lovely and unforgettable stay in the year 2001. My father William A.K. Jones had just pàssed away and she came to visit my mother and always cheer everybody up! Keep the Jones's laughing up their in Heaven Dede!!"
""D" was my partner in humor. Despite our sporadic meet ups, it would only take a few seconds for the business of being funny to kick in. She could really make me laugh with her one liners that always hit the mark. This photo was taken after my bout with a bad medical issue. 'D' had come to New York to make sure that I was still able to laugh. "