Loving Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend, Muriel Meehan died Tuesday, December 23, 2014 in peace at her home while surrounded by many of her family members. All who knew Muriel Meehan were affected by her warm smile, her positive attitude, and her compassionate and loving personality, which will be forever remembered in her memory. At age 25, Muriel married her husband, Jim, on a beautiful spring day in April 1950. The two began their life together in Brooklyn, NY and eventually moved their family of five to Glocester, RI in 1959. At which point, their plan to continue to grow their family in size welcomed the last two children totaling seven in all. The joy, pride, happiness, and love that was present within the union of Dad and Mom transcended the family as they opened their hearts, their home, and their lives to all; with God’s blessing of children and foster children in need within their parish. In their earlier years, both Mom and Dad were active within Catholic Charities, Knights of Columbus, and the St. Philip’s Woman’s group. Simply put, Mom and Dad’s love could move mountains, and they did – their Faith in God was endless and their union, timeless.
As this family grew, the children were all active in multiple sports and other extracurricular activities. Mom was always the most selfless woman, a saintly woman; with an unending passion to serve others. In her spare time Muriel enjoyed sewing, while Dad was constantly engineering new projects. At the Kountry Kitchen Restaurant, the employee uniforms and window treatments/curtains would change twice a year with the seasons (summer & winter). Mom would style and hand make (sew) the curtains as well as the wait staff’s aprons. Their family (be it their seven children or the KK family) were always together supporting each other and celebrating in each other’s successes. Every child played a role in the family business of 24 years, from naming it, to washing the floors, to creating the menus, to serving our guests, to cooking, washing dishes and even building seven additions in the first 8 years of business. We were blessed with two brave souls who knew nothing of the restaurant business but had a passion and a dream, and didn’t look back no matter how sizable the task. Staff became family, employees dated (even married and started their own families), and the magic of the human spirit evolved - all through love and faith in God. Celebrating all the seasons, such as Halloween with weekend costumes, fall decorations, the Annual Christmas Buffet, Baby Showers/Wedding Showers, and even our one and only real wedding on site. It was service with a smile that made the customers feel special, which was the secret to the restaurant’s success!
Mom had a beaming excitement for her growing family and all the incredible successes of her 19 grandchildren and soon to be the 8th great-grandchild – she was the “Cheerleader of all Cheerleaders” – traveling around the country to watch her grandchildren compete or perform. Mom’s crystal blue eyes and beautifully bright smile naturally showcased her warmth and love. She was unconditional, non-judgmental and respectable to all she encountered. She was graceful, smart, kind, and an extremely hard worker, evidenced by her phenomenally successful business (while mothering seven children, no less). She and Jim even built their own home on 24 acres of land - nail by nail, board by board, with endless love and tireless effort. Mom was our rock.
She wore many hats, as a great wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and grandmother. Mom was always involved in supporting and celebrating the successes of friends and family. She was an excellent example of a humble woman that gave endlessly of herself. She was the friend that everyone could count on, the friend people could trust, and will be dearly missed.
To the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the Word, we thank you for your presence in our lives. As we all go forth without you, may your light shine within each one of us. We love you!
Muriel is survived by her children: James J. Meehan and his wife, Sarah of Avon, CO, Kevin F. Meehan and his wife, Carolyn of Denver, CO, Brian A. Meehan of Brooklyn, CT, Colin P. Meehan of Woonsocket, Patricia M. Koenig and her husband, Kenneth of Eugene, OR, and Sharon M. Meehan and her Fiance, Roger Williams of Glocester, her nineteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Jack, Joseph and James Hennessy and Estelle Kehoe.
Her Mass of Christian Burial to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Monday at 9:30am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Burial in Acote’s Hill Cemetery Visitation Sunday 3-7 pm in the ANDERSON-WINFIELD Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. In lieu of flowers donations to LaSalle Academy, 612 Academy Avenue, Providence, RI 02908 or St. Philip School, 618 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI 02828.