Submitted by: Dan Rich

Martha Carol Meuninck

May 18, 1915 - April 12, 2006

South Bend Tribune 4/16/2006

Martha Carol Meuninck, formerly Martha Carol Stowell, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2006, in her sleep, at the German Centre for Extended Care in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. She had been living at the German Centre for the last two years, in stable health and good company. Martha was a good friend and comfort-giver to her companions there, where her good humor was enjoyed by residents and staff alike.

Martha was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on May 18th, 1915, one of eight children and the third daughter of Ann (Walsh) Stowell and Tilton Cheney Stowell. On June 26, 1937, in St Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka, Martha married Charles A. Meuninck, who died on July 2, 2000. They were married for 63 years. As a young woman, Martha worked at Ball Band. After she married and had children, Martha and her husband opened the Lad and Lassie children's clothing store in Mishawaka, which she managed for 14 years, before becoming the manager of the girls' department at Goldblatt's.

Martha was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. For 63 years, she was an avid member of a bridge club made up of her grade school friends. Martha hosted many family get-togethers, which she loved. She encouraged her children to get college and vocational educations and worked to provide the financial backing for their futures.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Meuninck of Boston, Massachusetts; three sons, Charles Meuninck of South Bend, Jeffrey Meuninck of Mishawaka and Tilton Cheney Meuninck of Fayetteville, Georgia; and her sister, Jane Long of South Bend. She is grandmother to Troy and Todd of Fayetteville and Abigail and Ben of Mishawaka and great grandmother to Haleigh, Taylor, Garrett, Lily and Molly. Martha is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she dearly loved. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Katy and Mary; and brothers, Joe, Dick, Charles and Tom.

Friends may spend time with Martha's family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 17, in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Robert Yast officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the charity of one's choice. Envelopes are available in the funeral home. Martha's cheery, intelligent demeanor was legendary. She was a trooper in all respects and will be missed by all she befriended.