Eileen Meeker, 74

Eileen F. Meeker was a caring wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, a dedicated special needs educator, and a donkey and rescue dogs enthusiast. She was born in Quakertown Pennsylvania on April 13, 1950, to Robert and Vivian Thayer. She attended Millersville, Pennsylvania State, and Temple Universities to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in Special Education. In 1977, she met her future husband J. Theodore Meeker and they later wed in 1981. Throughout their lives together, they filled their home in Pottstown with four children, numerous dogs, cats and donkeys, love, and lots of music. Eileen loved hosting parties in their expansive yard.

Eileen dedicated her life to three main things: helping children, donkeys, and dogs. She always understood that there were children that needed help and was dedicated to that mission through her professional career as well as community involvement with Boy Scouts of America. As a young single woman, she adopted two young girls from South Korea to raise as her own. At the same time, she worked with special needs adults and children for close to 40 years. She finally retired in 2021, after working for over 30 years as an early intervention teacher for the Chester County Intermediate Unit. She touched countless lives throughout those years and had been recognized many times throughout her career for distinguished service.

Her second love was her animals. Being the youngest daughter growing up on a farm, she was responsible for donkeys and rode little Jocko all over the place. For many years she had a feisty donkey named Arthur. After Arthur's passing, she rescued three miniature donkeys: Cactus Jack, Gumby, and Teddy Bear. She also adored her three rescue dogs Thorpe, Casey, and Peanut.

She is survived by her daughters Tammy French and Jamie Salmon (Jim), and her sons John (Caitlin) and Christopher (Emily), her sister Sharon Konderchek, wife of the late Robert; and her grandchildren Benjamin, Ella, Eric, Jack, Theodore, Jovianne, and Griffin. She is predeceased by her husband Ted, and sister Sonja Nice.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM at Catagnus Funeral Home (711 N. Franklin St. Pottstown, PA, 19646) on Friday, October 11, 2024. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park. A viewing will also be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 9:00AM-11:00AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Eileen’s name to the following organizations:

https://www.thefarmette.org/

https://www.littlelongears.org/

Add My Condolences

I used to go to her East Vincent class when I was very little. She was such a nice teacher and I have good memories of her.

~ Mary Hehl Royersford Pa, PA
10/16/2024 10:44:07 PM

I was very saddened to hear of Eileen's passing. I met Eileen in junior high band, we both played the clarinet. She was so much fun to be around and good times were always had at her house. My fondest memories of junior and senior high school include Eileen. We reconnected at our class reunion last month. She will be missed. My sympathies to Sharon, Eileen's children and their families.

~ Patricia Eynon
10/11/2024 3:24:45 PM

We first met Mrs. Eileen Meeker when our daughter was 4 and needed special assistance as she was on the lower spectrum of Autism. Eileen helped develop our daughters foundation into the student she is today. We could not have gotten through the first year of education without her. Once our daughter left her class, she moved on and used Eileen's tools to help her throughout her school career. We met up with Eileen when she worked at East Coventry and it was all smiles! Then Eileen came to our daughters graduation party.

Eileen was an important part of our daughters life and we are so grateful for her. She will be terribly missed and she made her mark on children's lives she helped in the OJR community.
God Speed and Rest in Peace Eileen.

Deepest condolences to her family and friends our prayers are with you in the time

~ The Marzella Family
10/11/2024 11:53:07 AM

Eileen was wonderful lady and gifted teacher. She touched many lives and made this world a better place. Her care for others hospitality were extraordinary. We will all miss her. My deepest condolences to all of her family and loved ones. I am fortunate to have known Eileen and thankful the time I got to spend with her and her family.

“The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. “

~ Joseph Gardiner
10/10/2024 11:30:21 PM

We only knew each other for a few years, but Eileen quickly became one of my favorite people. Whether we three were thrifting, lunching, chatting or playing with our beloved pets, I always cherished our time together. Eileen touched my heart and I will never forget her. Please accept my deepest condolences.

~ Lisa Bobbie Schreiber Hughes
10/10/2024 7:52:50 AM

I am very sorry for the loss of your Mother Eileen, I will always remember her as the kind and patient person she was and wish that I could share the many memories of camping and enjoying a good cup of coffee with her. Rest in peace Eileen Meeker.

~ Brian "Skip" Burkhardt
10/9/2024 1:12:58 PM

Eileen was a close friend of mine in High School and beyond. We wrote letters to each other until all our children arrived . We finally reconnected at our 55 th reunion one month ago.
School was hard for her but she was determined and always strived to do her best. . But I will always remember her for her kindness, compassion and patience.She was fearless. creative and had a great sense of humor and many fun themed parties.. Eileen was gifted in working with special needs kids and adults. She will be missed. My prayers go out to her family.

~ Rosalie Lowman Eldevik
10/9/2024 12:02:28 AM

Your mom was a special lady, to say the least. I’ll miss her crafts she’d do with the children, that added the perfect touch to the table. This is a sad day. Keeping you all in my prayers, at this very difficult time.

~ Eileen Kennard Palmyra, NJ
10/8/2024 8:59:42 PM

I was so sad to hear about your mother’s death. Your family welcomed me into the family with open arms and hearts. I always felt so welcomed by your family. Eileen was the kindest and sweetest person. She always worked so hard. I know she is with her husband, Ted, and she is at peace knowing they are together again. I keep all of you in my prayers because she certainly leaves a whole in our hearts.
Love, JoAnne MacIntire

~ JoAnne MacIntire Folsom, PA
10/8/2024 6:31:37 PM

Their aren’t enough words to describe how sweet Eileen was, and how kind she was, and how she made you feel like you knew her years.I’m deeply sorry for your loss
Hugs and prayers
Theresa

~ Theresa Hinaman Pottstown, PA
10/8/2024 6:17:37 PM

Eileen babysat for my girls in the late 1980's. She was a kind and patient person. She always had a pot of coffee on when I would get to her home to pick them up. My condolences to her family. I know she will be missed.

~ Terri Shulby Pottstown, PA
10/8/2024 3:27:58 PM

I worked with her for years at the OLD EV - she was a treasure and will be missed. She was a role model who strived for excellence for all of her sudents and they benefitted greatly from her dedication. Remembering you with great fondness.

~ Sarah Smith
10/8/2024 3:26:23 PM

This news is so stunning as we spoke at our 55th reunion. The obit is beautifully written. It is a tribute to a wonderful person. Please accept my condolences.

~ Lila Tyson
10/8/2024 3:09:51 PM

So sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to the family. ????

~ Deb Jarrett Malack
10/8/2024 12:01:13 PM

I just reconnected with her this past summer. I saw her picture on Facebook. She looked the same, except grey hair. I talked to her at our class reunion in September. I thought we would have more time. I am so sorry.

~ Patti Ann Lizut Bethlehem, Pa
10/8/2024 10:55:13 AM