A TRIBUTE TO MARK (AND TERRY) MEADE

MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA, INC., and the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB is saddened by the passing of Mark Meade on August 2nd.  Many friends and CLUB "sisters" visited Terry's home in observance of the Jewish rite of Shiva during the days following his burial, to offer her comfort and condolences.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

                                                                                All photos, courtesy Terry Meade

During his lifetime, Mark was a loving husband, father, grandfather, successful business entrepreneur, traveller, volunteer, and lover of the arts. 

Mark's story began when he met Terry Brightman, the love of his life.  They were high school sweethearts, and their love affair lasted 56 years!

Fast forwarding many years, Mark and Terry had 2 children, Cindy and Scot.  This was a family photo taken in 2015 at Christmas time, and includes their spouses and the grandchildren.

Life has its "ups and downs," and sadly, Mark had his share.  He suffered a heart attack, and lived for several years as an invalid with a weakened heart.  He became eligible for a heart transplant and was put on the waiting list.

The New Jersey Sharing Network, a group dedicated to raising awareness of the critical the need for organ and tissue donation, was instrumental in locating a donor heart for Mark.  He received a new heart from an anonymous donor in 2008.  The procedure was performed by Dr. Howard J. Eisen MD, surgeon.  This photo was taken just a few days after Mark's transplant.

Mark's health improved in the years following his life-saving heart transplant, and grateful for a second chance at life, he grasped it fully.

He and Terry became avid and active volunteers for the NEW JERSEY SHARING NETWORK, and they participated in numerous fundraising events to promote the awareness and need for organ and tissue transplants throughout the State of New Jersey.  Mark's miraculous story was featured in articles in community and medical journals.  He rode on the Donate Life float, that participates in the annual New Year's Day Rose Bowl Parade in California.  They have been featured in their posters as well.

Mark always took an interest in Terry's artistic endeavors, so in 2014, when she heard about the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT, he encouraged her to participate.     

Terry is a member of the NEW JERSEY ALL STAR DANCERS, a group that performs for the PAGEANT, and at NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB SHOWCASES.  Over the years, Mark became the Organization's unofficial photographer.  This is one of hundreds of photos he took.  He would either email his photos directly to the members, and Terry would post them on her Facebook page.
 

In 2016, Johanne Santori/MSNJSA'06, and MSNJSA Pageant Director retired, and Terry appointed to the position.  She produced her first Pageant that year, and Mark was there to take this group shot and many more photos.

Finally, someone took a photo of him and Terry at the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2019.  He posted a tribute to Terry/DIRECTOR OF PAGEANTS, on Facebook.  Here is a portion of what he wrote:  "I am so proud of my wife, Terry Brightman Meade, for creating, producing and directing this most magnificent production, while at the same time, working with the contestants over the past few months. Nowhere in the country could there have been a more professional production.  Terry's tireless work shined brightly at Harrah's Resort & Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey ... etc".  

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,  the MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2020 was canceled.  By that time, Mark started having health issues, and Terry kept giving updates about Mark's hospitalizations and rehabilitations.  In spite of all her worries, she did produce a 2021 PAGEANT, but everyone knew that Mark wouldn't be there.

He fought the good fight, and Terry was at his side every step of the way.  Together, they lived each day to the fullest, and fullfilled many of their lifelong dreams.   Rest in Peace now, our dearest friend.