Mrs. Marie Elena (Gardner) Meays

September 22, 1944 - January 29, 2021

NEW HARTFORD - Mrs. Marie Elena (Gardner) Meays, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 29, 2021 with the love and support of her husband and family. Born in Little Falls, NY on September 22, 1944, Marie was the daughter of the late Edward and Philomena “Fanny” (Guisto) Gardner. She was a graduate of Little Falls High School. On October 13, 1962 Marie married Lawrence R. “Ronnie” Meays, and from that day forward, they embraced life enthusiastically and did everything together. Theirs was a strong, enduring love in a marriage that celebrated 58 years. They held hands, shared warm hugs, and their hearts were endeared to one other during their lifelong union. Ronnie was Marie’s protector and best friend and they were partners for life; together they served as an inspiration to all of us. She began her career at Sears & Roebuck where she worked for a number of years as a switchboard operator. She subsequently held a position at PAR Technology Corporation as a technological assembler for 26 years. Concurrently, she assisted at the Boardwalk Skateboard & Ski Store, a family business that had a great run! Lastly, Marie was a 15-year beloved employee of the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. where she worked to the very end as a gracious greeter with a warm smile. Marie and her husband worked as a pair at the funeral home, and she will be profoundly missed by the staff and many visitors. Marie strived to be a good mom, sharing her wisdom, and loving each of her children equally. As a grandmother, she was protective and found joy in the precious time she spent with the grandkids. Her great-grandchildren brought her to a new stage of relaxation, as they ran the roost, and she stood by reveling in it! As long as everyone was ok! Marie was perfectly appointed in her attire and appearance, as well as gracious and outgoing in her personality. She was loyal in her many friendships, and laced them with good laughs and great stories. She was a novice cook in earlier years, and before long started preparing outstanding meals from new and adventurous recipes, and Ronnie loved them all! Marie was happy when she was in the company of her loved ones. A welcoming hostess, she went all out with fine food and spirits. She also loved to decorate her home in pleasing tones and trends, and she knew what she wanted when she saw it. Marie leaves a legacy of a life well-lived, graced with many great memories of beautiful moments in time. Marie is survived by her beloved Ronnie; her children and their loves, Lisa Marie Meays and Brian Humphreys, and Michael S. and Sara Meays; her grandchildren, Amie Eichstadt, and Robbie Eichstadt and his canine companion Ruger; Jonas, Elliott, and Cecilia Meays; her great-grandchildren, Leah, and Eli who called her “Mama”; she loved those little ones so much. She also leaves her brother and sister-in-law, Edward “Eddie” and Helen Gardner; sister-in-law, Joan Manion; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Theresa Gardner; sister-in-law, Jean Nancy Meays Williams; and brother-in-law, Robert N. Manion. During these tender times, the family has chosen to gather privately to celebrate Marie’s life; they so appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers. Please take a moment to connect with Marie’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”. Corinthians 13:4-8