Jean Lorraine Meyer

Born on April 14, 1930, Jean spent her childhood in Pittsburgh where she met the love of her life, Leo, on the streetcar. As an only child, she was delighted when children filled her home. Jean loved life fiercely, embracing color, art, and her role as matriarch of her large family. Her four children, Leo, Beth, Susan, and Maria, were her greatest masterpieces, while her nine grandchildren, Christina, Megan, Philip, Kaylee, Nicole, Michael, Eleni, Sarah, and Tristan, brought vibrant color to her later years. She was queen of the dance floor at family weddings , twirling and swaying into the night. She celebrated the arrival of five great granddaughters, Ava, Ella Jean,Amelia, Lillie and Charlotte, marveling at each distinct personality.

Jean wasn’t one for blank canvases. Her home was a gallery of her oil paintings, and a revolving door for her family, friends, cherished pets and every stray that was lucky enough to find its way into her heart. Family celebrations at her house were raucous and filled with laughter. Jean was gentle, kind, generous and one of a kind. She and her spunky Chihuahua, Tango enjoyed strolling the neighborhood in matching coats, taking car rides and lunching out. Diamond, her final canine companion, became a constant fixture on her lap sharing her love of blazing fireplaces, fluffy blankets and splitting her afternoon can of sprite.

Jean knew loss, grieving the early passing of her beloved Leo at 58. But just like a skilled artist, she found new colors in every sunrise, savoring the simple pleasures – a cup of tea with buttered toast and jam, the warmth of the sun on her skin, and the camaraderie of her "seniorcize" crew, who were her faithful friends to the end. Jean was a walking work of art – a kaleidoscope of fashion, a splash of blue eyeshadow, and a sprinkle of the unexpected. She lived life in technicolor, reminding us that every day is a canvas waiting to be painted with joy, laughter, and wonder.

Until we meet agin, we say a sweet farewell to Jean Lorraine Meyer, the artist, the dancer, the lover of animals, the heart and soul of our family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25, from 5 -7 pm at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd, Richmond. VA 23238. Private services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Richmond SPCA.