MEAD, Dorene Frances

Black’s Show Low Mortuary, Show Low, Arizona Dorene Frances Mead (January 23, 1937 - June 12, 2013) Dorene Frances Mead, 76, went to Jesus on June 12, 2013 with her whole family, parish Priest and Jesus at her side. Dorene was born January 23, 1937 in Mayhew Lake, Minnesota where she grew up. She married the love of her life, Gerald Arlan Mead, on August 27, 1958 and eventually moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. She worked all of her life in health care as a nurse or activity director. She gave of herself every day in her job, to her family, her friends, and to the Lord. Dorene “adopted” many children, and adults, in her 76 years, and was known as “Mom” or “Grandma” to most. Her faith was very important to her and she relied on the Lord for her strength in this world. Dorene and Gerald had 3 children during their 55 years of marriage and moved to Chandler, Arizona in 1985. In July 1992 they relocated to the White Mountains of Arizona where they have remained since that time. Dorene is survived by her husband, Gerald; daughter Juliane Marie Thieme (Georg) of Germany; Jessica Ann Mead of Pinetop; Estranged daughter Jacquelyn Foster; Grandchildren Mary Frances Kistler, Marie Elizabeth Kistler, and Gerald Paul Campbell; as well as many, many “adopted” children and families. The Lord wants us to do works of mercy because even the strongest faith is of no use without works. He gives us three ways of exercising mercy toward our neighbor - by deed, word, and prayer. Dorene was the epitome of all of these during her life. All who knew Dorene were greatly blessed. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Pinetop on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 9 a.m. The family is requesting donations for funeral expenses in lieu of flowers.