Renate D. Meier

Renate Dorothea Julia (Burdinski) Meier formerly of Tidioute, PA, died peacefully on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Warren Manor, Warren, PA.  Born July 4, 1930, to the late Maria (Geissler) Burdinski and Friedrich Burdinski in Bochum Germany.

Renate was a professional figure skater (roller skates) with a troop called “Die Acht Rollshuhlauf Junge Damen”, and they performed in many grand theaters throughout Germany.  She married Charles W. Meier on October 16, 1950, after which she came to the United States in May 1953.  Renate became a US citizen after meeting the requirements.  The family lived in Pittsburgh, PA (North Hills) until 1969, at which time they moved to Tidioute, PA where they built their home.  She taught herself to read, write and speak English only after she came to the United States.  She was an avid and prolific reader making great use of the libraries available everywhere she lived. Later when her children were older, she worked at Norton’s Lumber Products, Tidioute, PA; JC Penney’s Warren, PA as a retail sales associate; Blair Outlet, Warren, PA as a retail sales associate; United Presbyterian Church, Tidioute, PA as secretary; USDA Forest Service, Warren, PA, as an information technician; and the Tidioute Public Library, Tidioute, PA as an assistant librarian.

Renate was a member of the New London Grange.  There she volunteered her service to supporting the Grange and 4H groups.  She was known for her wonderful baked goods which were snapped up at the many fund raising events.  She volunteered at the Warren County Fair representing the Grange at many different functions.  Renate was a member of the Tidioute Presbyterian Church Ladies Associations for several years, serving as President for one term.  Renate had a beautiful voice and sang for many years with the Tidioute Presbyterian Choir. 

Renate was an avid gardener growing many vegetables as well as beautiful flowers.  She was ahead of her time using fresh local produce to cook meals for her family and friends because she said , “You are what you eat,” and fresh vegetables provided the best nutrition.  She loved to cook, bake and entertain her family and many friends.  Renate kept her home immaculately clean and organized.  One of the sayings she often repeated was, cleanliness is next to Godliness.  One can be poor but soap and water cost very little!  Renate was a consummate seamstress/tailor and also a very skilled needle worker.  She created many beautiful articles of clothing, as well as knitted, crocheted, and embroidered pieces.  Renate was an intelligent, strong, loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her sister, Karin Peyer of Zurich, Switzerland; her daughters, Lorraine Yencik and Claudia Spargo both of Warren, PA, her son-in-law, James Spargo of Warren; her grandchildren, Shawn Jones (Emily), Tina Terry (Ted), Joshua Spargo (Erin), Maria Huss (Justin), Jacob Spargo, Jill Dale (Evan); 10 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and husband of 67 years, Charles W. Meier, Renate was preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph Burdinski and Horst Burdinski, both of Bochum Germany.  Also, her sons, Charles A. Meier II, Mark F. Meier, her son-in-law, James Jones, her son-in-law James Yencik and her granddaughter, Melissa L. Jones.

Friends will be received at the Tidioute Presbyterian Church, Tidioute, PA on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 11 to 1 pm at which time a funeral service will be held with Pastor Dennis Ledebur officiating.  McKinney Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Inc., 54 West Main Street, Youngsville, PA have been entrusted with all arrangements.  Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.mckinneyfuneral.com

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