Rose Ann Meinecke

Rose Ann Meinecke, 68, of Westminster, died Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at her residence.  Born March 20, 1948 in Wilkes Barre, PA, she was the daughter of the late Sophie Vankevich and Michael Chwastyk.  She was the wife of the late Paul D. Meinecke who died June 20, 2005.

She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where she was a council member.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, and decorating for the holidays.

Rose Ann graduated from Frederick Community College School of Nursing in 1970. She received her BSN from the University of Maryland in 1979 while working at the Carroll County Health Department.  She was the Program Manager of a very robust Maternity Program. 

In 1982 Rose Ann transferred to the State of MD Health Department. There she was an early pioneer in establishing Maryland's EPSDT Program for children. Rose Ann helped lead those early efforts to outreach potential Medicaid eligible children to help them gain access to health care.   She also contributed to the development of early intervention programs and school health programs. Thanks to her efforts many of those programs receive federal funding through Medicaid.  

Rose Ann was a true advocate for pregnant women and children’s health.  She had been retired 10 years but her contributions live on.  

She is survived by daughters Chandra McCreary and husband Frank of Westminster, Karen Meinecke and fiancé Brian of Westminster, son Gregory Meinecke and wife Maggie of Frederick, sisters Virginia Chwastyk and Kathleen Chwastyk, both of Wilkes Barre, PA, grandchildren Justin Meinecke and wife Kasey of Nashville, TN, Emily Jordan and husband Tyler of Westminster, Frank D. McCreary, U.S. Navy stationed in Pensacola, FL, Michael McCreary of Westminster and granddaughter on the way. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a brother Michael Chwastyk.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services, 254 E. Main St., Westminster.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 5, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Kevin Clementson officiating.  Interment will follow in Meadow Branch Cemetery in Westminster.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the William E. Kahlert Cancer Center, 291 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157.

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