Eleonore McMeans

Eleonore “Nora” McMeans (nee Meyer) of O’Fallon, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at the age of 89. Devoted mother of Ralph Ernst McMeans, Frank Edward McMeans, Gary Michael McMeans, and David Martin McMeans; loving grandmother of Ralph McMeans, Jr., Jeanine McMeans, Felisha Bochantin, Frank McMeans, Jr., Nora Lynn McMeans, Corrie McMeans, and Gary Michael McMeans, Jr.; and treasured great-grandmother of Isabella McMeans, Ralph "RJ" McMeans, Bailey Strum, Ana Hamilton, Curtis Bochantin, Quinn McMeans, Franklin Sawyer McMeans, Cole McMeans, Carley Cook, Aleah McMeans and Mae McMeans.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph McMeans; parents, Leonard and Anna (nee Bonnet) Meyer; and her brothers, Ernst Meyer and Hans Meyer.

The youngest of three children, Nora was born on September 24, 1929 in Furth, Germany to Leonard and Anna (nee Bonnet) Meyer. As a child, Nora was full of life and energy and enjoyed her time walking through the Black Forest with her Grandfather. She had a deep bond with her oldest brother, Ernst. Ernst adored Nora and looked out for her for many years, until he was later killed in action while serving in the German Army in Russia at the age of 19. She sorely missed him for the remainder of her life.

As a German citizen, Nora lived through the Holocaust; one of her first and toughest hardships of her life. She could vividly recount the atrocities and sorrow she experienced as a survivor of that era.

During her teen years, Nora was an accomplished all stroke German Nationalist swimmer and a 100 yard/400-yard sprinter. Her love for athletics and swimming remained with her, even in the late years of her life.

Nora met the love of her life, Ralph McMeans, while he was stationed with the United States Army in Furth, Germany. They united in marriage on October 15, 1948. Nora soon became an incredibly loving mother after they welcomed their first-born son in Germany. Ralph and Nora would later welcome three more sons into the world. She treasured being a mother and devoted her life to raising her four boys.

The U.S. Army lead Ralph and Nora to the United States soon after their marriage to White Sands, New Mexico in 1949 thereafter he was later honorably discharged with receiving a bronze star. From there they later resided in Denver, Colorado before they eventually moved to O’Fallon, Missouri.

Nora could often be found tending to her garden where she nurtured a variety of flowers and vegetables, including her favorite- homegrown tomatoes. She inherited a true talent and love for sewing from her mother. She cherished her time spent painting ceramics with her best friend, Mary Thiele and taking frequent trips home to Germany. Nora was also a phenomenal cook, specializing in traditional German meals. Her incredible homemade German dumplings will be missed.

Above all, Nora loved her family. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy and blessing. Nora was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was unapologetically strong-willed, and simultaneously giving, caring, and generous to every soul she touched. She will be immensely missed by her family and friends, but her beautiful memories will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Memorial contributions may be made in Nora’s honor to the Alzheimer's Association.