M. Meadows

Miss M Christine Meadows died on Saturday January 19, 2013 at the Kline Hospice House in Mt. Airy, Maryland, with family at her side, after a seven year struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Born in Brunswick, Maryland on March 2, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Stanley Joseph and Katherine Gardner Meadows. Christine graduated from the Notre Dame College of Maryland with a BA in History prior to graduate studies at William & Mary College. She taught at Parkway Elementary School in Frederick before beginning a 36 year career of dedicated service to George Washington and his beloved home, Mount Vernon.

During her tenure at Mount Vernon, Christine was responsible for major efforts. In 1984 craftsman completed the first restoration and redecoration of the mansion since Washington's death in 1799. This required extensive research by Christine, specifically of the bold and warm federal colors that were used during the period. She and the late Director Charles C. Wall collaborated in the reacquisition of a rare pen and ink drawing of the, "Destruction of the Bastille," presented to our first president by General Lafayette in 1790. The sketch had been misplaced for 128 years after leaving Mount Vernon in 1859. Christine always promoted and reflected the character and leadership of George Washington through her knowledge, creative communication skills and love for "The Father of our Country" cited in a tribute by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union upon her retirement in April 1997. At that time she received the official designation of "Curator Emerita."

Christine is survived by uncle Gene G. Gardner, sister Ann M. Gambrill, niece Susan G. Tremaine nephew Cyrus Gambrill III and wife Deborah, nephew Pete Gambrill, along with a grand niece, three grand nephews and numerous cousins. She will be lovingly remembered by Nancy Lesure nee’ Pearre and family of Frederick, Evelyn Manwiller also of Frederick, Robert Raczynski and wife Grazyna of Washington DC and Beverly Addingdon of Virginia. All those close to Christine would know of her love of dogs and fondness for antiquing trips.

There will be a memorial service held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Family will receive friends beginning at 1:00pm with reflection service to follow at 1:30pm. A reception at Stauffer's will follow service. Interment will be private and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Christine's memory to Alzheimer's Association,108 Byte Drive, Suite 103, Frederick MD 21702 or The Kline Hospice House, PO Box 1799, Frederick MD 21702.

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