Meredyth Osborn

Following a long struggle with the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease, Meredyth Speir Peters Osborn was freed from her earthly shell on Tuesday, January 20, 2015.

Meredyth was born in Fairbury, Nebraska to Morris and Helen Speir. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, not to mention an accomplished pianist and a gifted writer. Throughout her life she entertained friends and family with her knowledge, talents, and sense of humor. She enjoyed life to its fullest. An exceptional student, she was in National Honor Society along with playing 1st chair flute during high school. While attending the University of Nebraska, she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority, on the University Marching Band and the Cornhusker Yearbook Staff. She graduated with honors with a BA in Secondary Education. She epitomized the concept of lifelong learning. An avid reader and lover of words, crossword puzzles and hard back books were always by her side. In an era when women had to choose between profession and children, Meredyth's choice was family. She married Fletcher Peters in 1950. They had three children. Meredyth raised her children with the same energy and dedication she had previously put into her academics and music. She married Neil Osborn in 1984. She was a lover of all things beautiful, all animals, Merry-Go-Rounds, Grand Marais, Minnesota, gardening, cooking, T-bone steak on Sunday nights, and Law and Order! We celebrate and honor the life of our mother and are eternally grateful for her gift of life to us. The beating heart of a loving family is silent now, but she will continue to speak to us through her indomitable spirit and her legacy of unconditional love.

Meredyth was preceded in death by her parents; son, Brad; and husband, Neil.

SURVIVORS:
Daughters:
Valerie (Rob) Lloyd - Hastings, NE
Vanessa Paeschke - Middleton, WI
Grandchildren:
Dr. Alicia (Scott) Hahn - Pittsburg, PA
Brandon Paeschke - Brooklyn, NY
Eric Paeschke - Middleton, WI
Sister:
Sylvia (Alex) Phillips - Columbia, MO

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been set up to honor Meredyth at the place she called home to build a new outdoor space for the residents of Harvard Rest Haven. Please help us provide a welcome space for the current and future residents. Send your donations to: Valerie Lloyd, 1308 East 9th, Hastings, Nebraska 68901.

Footprints in the Sand

Disclose the Past and Present

Memories abound... One of many Haikus Meredyth wrote

May she prosper in peace and a well-deserved rest.