JoAnn 'JoJo' Ridge Meehan

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

JoAnn "JoJo" Ridge Meehan, 84, of South Bend, passed away at 1:20 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011 in Hamilton Grove, New Carlisle.

She was born in Adrian, Mich., on March 4, 1927 to the late Everett and Julia (Craig) Meehan.

JoJo graduated from Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Ill., and earned her B.A. degree in sociology from DePauw University in Greencastle.

On March 29, 1952 in South Bend, she married William C. Meehan, who preceded her in death on July 12, 1998.

She is survived by three sons, Craig Meehan of Las Vegas, Timothy (Kay) Meehan of South Bend and Terrence (Mariko) Meehan of Waukegan, Ill.; and a grandson, Christopher Meehan.

JoJo served as a board member for the 1st Source Corp., Memorial Hospital, Memorial Health Foundation, Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County, DePauw University Board of Visitors, Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, American Hospital Association, Indiana Hospital & Health Association, Logan Center Foundation, Northern Indiana Center for History, Community Allies, Michiana Arts & Sciences Council, Carnival of the Arts, Showcase of Arts at IUSB, International Summer Special Olympics, Mental Health Association of Indiana, United Way of Indiana & St. Joseph County, Cancer Society of St. Joseph County, Children's Dispensary and Hospital Association, Madison Center and Scholarship Foundation of St. Joseph County.

Jojo also served on several task forces, including the Governor's Task Force on End of Life Issues, Leadership Cabinet for Hospice, Council on Hospital Governance, Healthy Communities Initiative, Leadership South Bend-Mishawaka and Human Rights Commission of St. Joseph County.

She was a member of the Indiana Academy, Junior League of South Bend and First Presbyterian Church.

Her many activities earned her several awards, including the Ernestine M. Raclin Award for Community Leadership, the E. Blair Warner Community Service Award, the Castaldi Community Service Award, the Vision Award for the Healthy Communities Initiative, the President's Voluntary Action Award for Special Olympics, the American Hospital Association Award for Service and Leadership, the Indiana Hospital and Health Association Merit Award, the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, the DePauw University Alumnae Citation, the Helping Hands Award for Community Service and the F. Jay Nimtz Award for Exemplary Public Service.

Her family would like to express deep appreciation to the caregivers at Hamilton Grove for their gentle care and compassion.

Funeral services for JoJo will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5 in First Presbyterian Church, 333 W. Colfax, South Bend. Rev. Dr. Adelia Kelso will officiate.

Friends may visit with the family from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at church prior to services. Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, South Bend, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Health Foundation, 615 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601, Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, 205 W. Jefferson Blvd No. 610, South Bend, IN 46601, Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct, South Bend, IN 46637 or DePauw University, 300 E. Seminary St., Greencastle, IN 46135.

Condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.