Mathilde Nina Meaney, 25 Feb 1929 - 17 Mar 2014

MEANEY, BAUMGRATZ, HAACK

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 4/8/2014 at 14:12:05

Posted: March 21, 2014 in The Gazette

TILLIE MEANEY
Cedar Rapids

Tillie Meaney, a resident of Cedar Rapids, passed away from heart-related issues in the late evening of March 17, 2014. She left us as she slept peacefully at Colonial Manor in Middle Amana, with family at her side.

Tillie was born Mathilde Nina Baumgratz on Feb. 25, 1929, in Waldorf, Germany. As a girl in Germany she went by the name Nina.

In 1942, her family – parents, Richard and Katherine, and sister, Marianne, moved to Heidelberg, Germany. World War II began in 1939, bringing difficult and turbulent times, including food shortages and rationing. Nina took her turn at waiting in line during pre-dawn fooddistribution at times of blackout, clutching a container for milk and getting her toes frostbitten in the process a number of times.

Nina, starting at a young age, worked in her father's barber shop. Each day she walked home for lunch. One day an American fighter plane made a strafing pass, firing shots that paralleled her footsteps. She felt the pilot could have killed her had that been his real intent but chose not to. The experiences of her youth were radically different from those typical of kids today.

Richard had no automobile for his family; that was an extravagance few could afford. Family outings were always taken by bicycle. For example, a ride to a neighboring village to watch motorcycle and sidecar races.

Nina was an avid swimmer and spent much time swimming in the Neckar River in Heidelberg. Once she got in considerable trouble for untying a barge and setting it adrift downstream. Nina was a bit of a rebel and free spirit. This pattern followed her for the rest of her life.

She met her husband-to-be at the barber shop. He was an American soldier – part of the occupation army – from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His name was Ralph Dewey Meaney Jr. They married in 1948 and came to the states to live.

Nina went by the name of Tillie upon arrival in this country. She wanted very much to become an American citizen and moved earnestly to do so, including speaking English as well and as rapidly as possible.

Tillie brought with her an uncommonly dedicated work ethic that defined her way of being. A first job she had here was in a pastry shop; subsequently she worked a time at Cryovac and completed her working life with 25 years at what was then known as Collins Radio. After retirement she worked part time at a commercial laundry.

Tillie was passionate and detailed in the creation and care of her flower gardens. She was also a friend of animals, great and small, dedicating her time and resources to the feeding of birds, deer, raccoons, squirrels and other wild creatures, as well as dogs and cats.

Tillie was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Katherine Baumgratz; and her husband, Ralph Dewey Meaney Jr.

She is survived by her son, Gordon Maney, and Gordon's fiancee, Carol Haack. Also Tillie's sister, Marianne, and several nieces and nephews, all of whom live in Germany.

There will be no services. Friends who wish to commemorate her passing and her life may choose to support the wildlife fund or project of their choice, or simply be really nice to their cat or dog.

Memorial comments may be made at www.murdochfuneral home.com under obituaries.