Madeleine Annie Curtis Meeks
Madeleine Annie (Curtis) Meeks was born September 14, 1935, to Jennie May (Law) and Clarence Edward Curtis at their home in Salt Lake City, Utah. She died at her home in Cedar Hills, Utah on November 27, 2021, of complications from vascular disease.
Madeleine met her husband, Samuel Martin Meeks (of Dothan, Alabama) at church in Long Beach, California while he was stationed aboard a US Navy destroyer, the USS Harry Hubbard. It was love at first sight for both. Despite some minor mishaps on the road to matrimony, such as a squashed corsage for the Gold and Green Ball, at least one long Navy cruise (during which they studied scripture together), and a car wreck on Sam’s way to propose, the sweethearts married on March 25, 1954, at the Mesa, Arizona temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Madeleine and Sam were happily married for over 59 years. Together, they shared a deep spirituality and a love of learning and service.
Madeleine briefly worked as a beauty advisor while in Hawaii. She also taught 4-H (cooking and sewing) and became a lecturer for Weight Watchers in the early 1970s. She enjoyed public speaking, researching her inspirational talks, and helping others to find health and self-acceptance. She put her family first.
Madeleine faithfully fulfilled many roles in her wards, particularly Relief Society and Primary, throughout her life. She founded a genealogy club with her husband while in Hawaii. She served three times as ward Relief Society President. Madeleine fulfilled her duties ably and with dedication. She enjoyed music, singing, dancing, sewing, embroidery, crocheting, craft work, reading, writing poetry, and baking. She was happiest when she was creating or visiting with her many children. Madeleine made holidays fun by decorating and planning special meals and treats, as well as sewing special dresses for her daughters for Easter and other occasions. Madeleine’s cooking, especially her cinnamon rings and gingerbread houses, will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.
Madeleine lived in San Diego, California, Boise, Idaho, Concord, California, Orange, California, and Cedar Hills, Utah. The friends she made were dearly loved. Madeleine devoted her life to caring for her youngest son (James)’s special needs. After moving to Utah, Madeleine was active in her local chapter of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, serving in various capacities, including Camp President. She also attended the temple regularly with her friend MaryVance.
Madeleine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Deborah, her brother Warren Curtis, and a great-grandson (Tyler). She is survived by her children Mark (Cristina) Meeks, Sidne Susan (Steve) Curtis, Matt (Deborah) Alexander, Jennelle (Jess) Barton, Sarah (Greg) Jackson, Rebecca Shereen Meeks, and James Edward Meeks; and She is also survived by grandchildren Amanda, Nicholle (Michael), Taryn (Jamin), Stefanie (Kevin), and Joshua; and nine great-grandchildren (Ryan, Skyler, Jackson, Jesse, Troy, Nate, Elena, Hope, and Adelia Sunshine). She is also survived by her siblings Edward (Marilyn) Curtis, Delayn (Warren) Curtis, Sidne (Leonard) O’Reilly and Laura (Tracy) Hickman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Madeleine’s name to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (specifically the funds for Family Search, The Tabernacle Choir, Missionary work, or Humanitarian Aid) www.philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the Cedar Hills 10th Ward Chapel, 9737 Chesterfield Drive, Cedar Hills, Utah. Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church prior to services. Interment will be at the Utah Veteran’s Memorial Park in Bluffdale.