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Jill Marie Johnson Meinecke
01/11/1961 — 05/31/2007
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Richland, Washington
Jill Marie Johnson Meinecke
Jill began a new journey on May 31, 2007 with great peace and dignity. Jill will live on in our hearts forever. We want to thank everyone who loved her, prayed for her, and supported her throughout her courageous battle with ovarian cancer since November, 2003. Jill was born, with twin brother Mark, on January 11, 1961 at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Washington to Norris and Annabelle Johnson. Jill graduated from Richland High School and Washington State University with a degree in elementary education. During high school and college, Jill worked as a secretary/clerk for various departments within the United Nuclear Corporation. After college, Jill was a very dedicated teacher and the kids loved having her. She taught at Washington Elementary in Sunnyside and Jefferson Elementary in Richland. Jill received two Washington State PTA Golden Acorn Awards for recognition of dedicated service to children and youth. Jill got to a point where she could not dedicate the time she wanted to for school and her family. So, after a little time off, she decided to work in field office administration for various Hanford contractors. Jill still wanted to be a part of the school system in some way, so she volunteered to be the PTA president, PTA newsletter editor, and Bingo chairperson. Jill was a very caring, loving, and generous person. She was a delight to be around and was always cheerful and friendly. Jill had a love for life and all the things that life had to offer. She had a gift of making others feel better and had a laugh that we will never forget. Jill’s family would like to express their thanks to all of our family, friends, and neighbors for their endless support during Jill’s illness. Special thanks to Tri Cities Cancer Center, Dr. Chenal and his staff of angels, and the Hospice at the Chaplaincy. Jill is survived by her husband Carl, her son Justin, her daughter Kayla; her father Norris Johnson and stepmother Sharon; her brothers Mark Lori Johnson and Kent Teresa Johnson; aunts and uncles Florence Gene Finn, Darl Marilee Axtman, Betty Roy Parker, Elaine Dick Weiss; and countless family and friends. Jill is preceded in death by her mother Annabelle Johnson and grandparents Herbert and Lillian Johnson and Martin and Agnes Axtman. Jill’s Celebration of Life will be held at Christ the King Church, 1111 Stevens Drive, in Richland at 11am on Saturday, June 9, 2007 with a reception to follow at the church. The family welcomes you to express your thoughts and memories of Jill on the online guestbook at www.einansfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jill Meinecke Memorial Fund at any HAPO Credit Union. Proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society, the Hospice at the Chaplaincy, and a college fund for Justin and Kayla.
I am remembering my beautiful friend, Jill today. How we miss her!! But she is Never forgotten!!
The angels in heaven will be happier with Jill in their presence.
What I remember best about Jill is her laughter. We went to school together from Jason Lee on through Richland High and she was always so joyful. Okay, sometimes it got her into trouble in class, but who didn’t love her. Even the teachers knew she was special as they were scolding her. I remember meeting at her house for Brownies when her mom was the Girl Scout leader. At slumber parties at a number of houses we stayed up late giggling.
I ran into Jill a number of times over the last few years in the community or at a school function, and she always greeted me like an old best friend even though we had mostly lost touch.
What a joyful soul. I am so glad to have known her.
I already miss Jill. Her infectious laugh, radiant smile, and so many other things. I feel blessed to have been able to spend time with her. To Carl, Justin, Kayla and extended family:So very sorry about your loss.
We have known Jill since she was six years old and have always thought of her and her twin Mark and brother Kent as part of our family. Jill has touched all our lives in a way that few people can. We are all so much richer for it and the love we shared will live on and on.
Carl, Kayla, Justin, Mark, Kent, Norris and families,
I am so sorry for your loss. I read all the notes in the guestbook and they all have the same theme. I have never met anyone more positive or laughed more then Jill. I will always remember the time in High School sitting in the outfield parking lot with a bunch of guys watching the game. We all started laughing when we could single out Jill laughing in the stands on the other end of the field. Every memory of being with Jill in High School, WSU and when I used to run into her around town, was of her infectious laugh. I was lucky to have known her. Once again, my deepest condolences.
Jim Hara
To The Meinecke and Johnson Family,
Our hearts our with you at
this time of sorrow and loss. Jill was “Sunshine” when she walked into a room! You had to smile and laugh when around her, there was no other choice!
Jill was a great support to our daughter, Jennifer Davis in her last months of life. Jennifer told Jill she was her “Inspiration.” Jill and Jen fought the fight and made us all a little wiser and a little stonger because of their love for life, their friends and their family.
Thank you Jill, for all the love you gave, in the short time you were with us! God Bless you and give Jen a kiss for us!
May God Bless all of you and keep you close.
Sincerely,
Debbie and Jerry Maiuri
J = Joy
I = Insiration
L = Laughter
L = Love
What perfect words to describe Jill! Aren’t we all better people for knowing Jill? She is my hero. I have kept her emails that she sent through the years. I kept them because they inspired me. As I read them I would laugh … and cry.
I feel so blessed and grateful to have known her.
My sincere condolences to Mark and her family.
With a Big sigh, I offer the Johnson and meineke family my deepest heartfelt prayers that God would comfort you in your sorrow and I rejoice with you that Jill is Home with the Lord with no pain,tears or decease. I met Jill in JR high, we hit it off right there at our first encounter. My brother Jeff and Mark became friends too.
Jill could light up the room with her laughter and JOY. That was the key thing about Jill was her Joy. We played softball together with Toni Stacy. I remember when Toni called me in San diego and told me that Jill was ill, it hit hard. I became her prayer warrior from then on. One thing I know for sure, Jill left her fingerprints on every ones Heart. I will miss her, and see her in Heaven. My God surround her families and friends with His Love and comfort. God Bless Rae Lynne Abraham
What shocking news this is. A sweeter baby, girl and woman there can never be again. We knew her from day one and I was the first un-family member to babysit Jill and Mark. Our children grew up together and Annabelle and I shared babysitting with the kids so we could do errands.
Our heart aches for her family and friends like us who will miss that beautiful smile and contaigious laughter. The world is poorer for her passing.
So very sorry we were unaware of her long illness but distance put us out of touch. Our love to you all and we share your loss.
Growing up in Richland, WA, I had the pleasure of knowing Jill throughout the years but I remember her most during our time at Richland High School. I will always remember what a fun and energetic person she was with a great zest for life. She and I had something in common as we both loved to talk and she was one of the few people who could out-do me!
After I graduated from Washington State Unv., my family moved to Dallas, TX and over the intervening years Jill and I lost track of each other only to catch up with each other about a year ago. We had a great time re-connecting and while she was going through cancer treatments she was so gracious and thrilled to know that I had been cured of my own cancer a few years earlier. Thats was the essence of Jill. In the midst of her own pain she was always thinking of and encouraging others.
Jill was a bright light and a blessing to everyone she met. I extend my sympathies and prayers to her family, Carl, Justin, Kayla, Mr. Norris Sharon Johnson, Mark Lori, Kent Teresa and all the extended family members.
I hope you will take comfort in knowing that while our loved ones may leave this world, they will never leave our hearts.
You are in my prayers God Bless,
Debbie B. Wilson
Sacramento, CA
Richland High – Class 79
My memories of Jill most include when we were kids growing up and how she and Mark and their parents danced to 50’s music. I also will always remember her infectious laugh and always upbeat attitude. I think of her and can’t help but smile. I always had fun at the Johnson’s house!
Although I had not seen Jill for some time, Jill and her mother Annabelle have always been in my thoughts. I was very young and lived down the street from them, our families were close and I always enjoyed when we got to visit and be together, both of you had that laugh that was one of a kind and always made everyone else in the room laugh. This world will not be the same with both of you gone now, but those of us that had the pleasure to know you are better off. You both will live in our hearts forever, rest in peace and enjoy catching up on things now that you are together…
I’m sorry we didn’t make it to the memorial service, but want you to know that Jill has always had a very special place in my heart. I taught with her at Jefferson School and appreciated her always optimistic attitude on even the most stressful days. I have run into her mostly at the grocery store many times since her bout with cancer started. Whenever we met, we just took up where we left off, Jill has always been an angel, so I’m sure her passage to her next life was seamless, even though her body suffered. I can’t wait to see her again on the other side!
My first memories of Jill are the two of us thinking we wanted to try out for cheerleader in 7th grade and practicing in the commons area outside during lunch time at Chief Joseph Junior High. Jill never needed the official title, she was always a great cheerleader. Can anyone think of her without smiling? What a great lady. Thank you Michelle and Carl for keeping us all updated on Jill’s courageous battle to the end. I’m so thankful to have known her. What a beautiful, kind, fun and gracious lady. When it’s my turn to go, I’ll listen for the laughter and I’m sure to find her. My love and condolences to Carl, Justin, Kayla, Mark, and Jill’s closest friends and family. I’m sure she is not far away.
Thank you Jill, for the legacy of Joy, and Infectious Love and Laughter you have given us. I will miss you.
Love and tears,
Gayle Walley Burnham
Class of ’79
Jill the “Pill” always good for a laugh. A special person who always showed concern for others who were suffering. She will always have a special place in our hearts. I will treasure a picture of Jill and me Budat the cancer center that Michalle took of us both hairless. Carl, you and the kids are in our prayers.
What a wonderful wife, mother, friend and human being Jill was. I taught with Jill at Jefferson many moons ago and loved her incredible sense of humor and laugh. She will be greatly missed by all.
Lori Hanson
The angels in heaven will be happier with Jill in their presence.
What I remember best about Jill is her laughter. We went to school together from Jason Lee on through Richland High and she was always so joyful. Okay, sometimes it got her into trouble in class, but who didn’t love her. Even the teachers knew she was special as they were scolding her. I remember meeting at her house for Brownies when her mom was the Girl Scout leader. At slumber parties at a number of houses we stayed up late giggling.
I ran into Jill a number of times over the last few years in the community or at a school function, and she always greeted me like an old best friend even though we had mostly lost touch.
What a joyful soul. I am so glad to have known her.
I already miss Jill. Her infectious laugh, radiant smile, and so many other things. I feel blessed to have been able to spend time with her. To Carl, Justin, Kayla and extended family:So very sorry about your loss.
We have known Jill since she was six years old and have always thought of her and her twin Mark and brother Kent as part of our family. Jill has touched all our lives in a way that few people can. We are all so much richer for it and the love we shared will live on and on.
Carl, Kayla, Justin, Mark, Kent, Norris and families,
I am so sorry for your loss. I read all the notes in the guestbook and they all have the same theme. I have never met anyone more positive or laughed more then Jill. I will always remember the time in High School sitting in the outfield parking lot with a bunch of guys watching the game. We all started laughing when we could single out Jill laughing in the stands on the other end of the field. Every memory of being with Jill in High School, WSU and when I used to run into her around town, was of her infectious laugh. I was lucky to have known her. Once again, my deepest condolences.
Jim Hara
To The Meinecke and Johnson Family,
Our hearts our with you at
this time of sorrow and loss. Jill was “Sunshine” when she walked into a room! You had to smile and laugh when around her, there was no other choice!
Jill was a great support to our daughter, Jennifer Davis in her last months of life. Jennifer told Jill she was her “Inspiration.” Jill and Jen fought the fight and made us all a little wiser and a little stonger because of their love for life, their friends and their family.
Thank you Jill, for all the love you gave, in the short time you were with us! God Bless you and give Jen a kiss for us!
May God Bless all of you and keep you close.
Sincerely,
Debbie and Jerry Maiuri
J = Joy
I = Insiration
L = Laughter
L = Love
What perfect words to describe Jill! Aren’t we all better people for knowing Jill? She is my hero. I have kept her emails that she sent through the years. I kept them because they inspired me. As I read them I would laugh … and cry.
I feel so blessed and grateful to have known her.
My sincere condolences to Mark and her family.
With a Big sigh, I offer the Johnson and meineke family my deepest heartfelt prayers that God would comfort you in your sorrow and I rejoice with you that Jill is Home with the Lord with no pain,tears or decease. I met Jill in JR high, we hit it off right there at our first encounter. My brother Jeff and Mark became friends too.
Jill could light up the room with her laughter and JOY. That was the key thing about Jill was her Joy. We played softball together with Toni Stacy. I remember when Toni called me in San diego and told me that Jill was ill, it hit hard. I became her prayer warrior from then on. One thing I know for sure, Jill left her fingerprints on every ones Heart. I will miss her, and see her in Heaven. My God surround her families and friends with His Love and comfort. God Bless Rae Lynne Abraham
What shocking news this is. A sweeter baby, girl and woman there can never be again. We knew her from day one and I was the first un-family member to babysit Jill and Mark. Our children grew up together and Annabelle and I shared babysitting with the kids so we could do errands.
Our heart aches for her family and friends like us who will miss that beautiful smile and contaigious laughter. The world is poorer for her passing.
So very sorry we were unaware of her long illness but distance put us out of touch. Our love to you all and we share your loss.
Growing up in Richland, WA, I had the pleasure of knowing Jill throughout the years but I remember her most during our time at Richland High School. I will always remember what a fun and energetic person she was with a great zest for life. She and I had something in common as we both loved to talk and she was one of the few people who could out-do me!
After I graduated from Washington State Unv., my family moved to Dallas, TX and over the intervening years Jill and I lost track of each other only to catch up with each other about a year ago. We had a great time re-connecting and while she was going through cancer treatments she was so gracious and thrilled to know that I had been cured of my own cancer a few years earlier. Thats was the essence of Jill. In the midst of her own pain she was always thinking of and encouraging others.
Jill was a bright light and a blessing to everyone she met. I extend my sympathies and prayers to her family, Carl, Justin, Kayla, Mr. Norris Sharon Johnson, Mark Lori, Kent Teresa and all the extended family members.
I hope you will take comfort in knowing that while our loved ones may leave this world, they will never leave our hearts.
You are in my prayers God Bless,
Debbie B. Wilson
Sacramento, CA
Richland High – Class 79
My memories of Jill most include when we were kids growing up and how she and Mark and their parents danced to 50’s music. I also will always remember her infectious laugh and always upbeat attitude. I think of her and can’t help but smile. I always had fun at the Johnson’s house!
Although I had not seen Jill for some time, Jill and her mother Annabelle have always been in my thoughts. I was very young and lived down the street from them, our families were close and I always enjoyed when we got to visit and be together, both of you had that laugh that was one of a kind and always made everyone else in the room laugh. This world will not be the same with both of you gone now, but those of us that had the pleasure to know you are better off. You both will live in our hearts forever, rest in peace and enjoy catching up on things now that you are together…
I’m sorry we didn’t make it to the memorial service, but want you to know that Jill has always had a very special place in my heart. I taught with her at Jefferson School and appreciated her always optimistic attitude on even the most stressful days. I have run into her mostly at the grocery store many times since her bout with cancer started. Whenever we met, we just took up where we left off, Jill has always been an angel, so I’m sure her passage to her next life was seamless, even though her body suffered. I can’t wait to see her again on the other side!
My first memories of Jill are the two of us thinking we wanted to try out for cheerleader in 7th grade and practicing in the commons area outside during lunch time at Chief Joseph Junior High. Jill never needed the official title, she was always a great cheerleader. Can anyone think of her without smiling? What a great lady. Thank you Michelle and Carl for keeping us all updated on Jill’s courageous battle to the end. I’m so thankful to have known her. What a beautiful, kind, fun and gracious lady. When it’s my turn to go, I’ll listen for the laughter and I’m sure to find her. My love and condolences to Carl, Justin, Kayla, Mark, and Jill’s closest friends and family. I’m sure she is not far away.
Thank you Jill, for the legacy of Joy, and Infectious Love and Laughter you have given us. I will miss you.
Love and tears,
Gayle Walley Burnham
Class of ’79
Jill the “Pill” always good for a laugh. A special person who always showed concern for others who were suffering. She will always have a special place in our hearts. I will treasure a picture of Jill and me Budat the cancer center that Michalle took of us both hairless. Carl, you and the kids are in our prayers.
What a wonderful wife, mother, friend and human being Jill was. I taught with Jill at Jefferson many moons ago and loved her incredible sense of humor and laugh. She will be greatly missed by all.
Lori Hanson
Jill’s love for life and her courage through her illness will always be an insperation for us all. This world was diffinately a better place because of Jill. We will all miss her terrably, but she will always be with us in our hearts and memories.
Jill was a fabulous person. I loved being around her. Like you said Carl, she never met a person she could not make laugh. I know she fought hard, and we will miss her so much. You are the best family she could ever ask for.
Diane Hartley
To the Johnson and Meinecke families- my deepest condolences. Jill and I crossed paths many times in our “adult lives”, being in the children’s industry. She ALWAYS wore a smile and LAUGHED LOUD! There aren’t many people who can touch the lives of everyone they come in contact with. Jill did! I know she’s in good hands now! I will miss, but always remember her smile.
I met Jill when I was 12 doing a girl scout badge and we became friends in sports at Chief Jo and were always together. We have stayed best friends for the past 34 years and I will always cherish her friendship and especially that smile and great personality and positive attitude on life, even when she didn’t feel good, she didn’t let it get to her. She has a wonderful family that will deeply miss her, but know she is smiling down on us as our guardian angel. I miss her deeply, but will always cherish the many memories we had together.
I delivered FedEx to Jill at Stoller for several years, she was one of my favorite customers. I always seemed to get behind on my route after stopping there. She was a wonderful person always a joy to talk to. It made me very sad to hear that she has passed on, my thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Kim Cassidy
Dear Carl, Justin and Kayla,
Jill was a true sister to our Lori. She was always so loving and treated us like family. The hole she leaves in all of us will never be filled. We admire the love your family has for each other, the true evidence of a successful life.
To Jill,
You will be missed.
To Lori and Mark.
I am thinking of you.
Love
From Lori’s sister MaryAnn
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Jill was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Her personality was contagious as well as that wonderful laugh. you couldn’t help but be in a good mood when Jill was around. We were priviliged to have known her.
Guestbook for
Jill Marie Johnson Meinecke