Julie Ann Meade of Hermiston died on April 25, 2024 in Richland, Wash. at the age of 65.
She was born on Dec. 6, 1958 in Long Beach, Calif. and was raised by her parents, Charles (Chuck) and Shirley Treat in Lynnwood, Wash.
Some of the things she enjoyed most growing up were spending time with friends and family, playing tennis, being outside, and playing with her siblings. Her little brother Howard won’t admit it, but she was much better at ping pong than him. As she got older, she was given the opportunity to babysit and began to enjoy taking care of children – it almost seemed to be second nature.
Julie attended all of grade school in Lynnwood and made many life-long friendships there. Close to the end of her high school career in October 1976, she attended a school dance where she met and soon after fell in love with Dave Meade. They went on all sorts of fun adventures together, from movie dates to concerts to road trips – they were inseparable. As they grew closer, they realized they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with each other and were married on Aug. 13, 1983.
After getting married, Julie and Dave decided to stay in Lynnwood and both began working to support one another. Julie was employed as a waitress at one of the best steakhouses in the Seattle area (Black Angus) and Dave in store management at Olson’s Foods. A couple years into their marriage they decided it was time to start their family and welcomed their children, Ashley and Calvin, into the world on Sept. 6, 1985.
As time went on, it became apparent to Julie and Dave that they were meant to take on an even greater challenge together. Dave’s parents realized the American dream and purchased a supermarket, now Columbia Harvest Foods in Umatilla, and extended the invitation to Julie and Dave to work there. In 1992,
Julie, Dave, and their two young children moved to Hermiston, where they still call home to this day. Later on in their new life in Hermiston, Julie and Dave welcomed their son Cameron into the world on Sept. 2, 1997.
Since moving to Hermiston, Julie and Dave spent over 30 years in prominent management roles at Columbia Harvest Foods. Their examples of hard work, dedication, service, and stewardship created a firm foundation that was ultimately instilled in their children as they grew up and formed families of their own.
Julie remained dedicated to her career, but she always put her family first. Her love for her children and grandchildren far outweighed any professional responsibility – the last few years of her life are a testament. It did not matter where she was or what she was doing, she always seemed to know how to make the world a better place through her kindness and overall character.
Nearing the end of her life, Julie took a great interest in observing sunrises. They provided her with peace, tranquility, a brightness of hope, and reassurance that all would be well in the end. Sunrises grew to be a blessing for her as each one brought a new day and new beginning.
During the last week of his life, Julie’s father-in-law told her that she was an inspiration to him. She was an inspiration to us all.
Julie is survived by her mother, Shirley; siblings, Cathy, Tom, Howard, and Chris; husband, David; children and their spouses, Ashley and Kyle Snow, Calvin and Alesia Meade, and Cameron and Laura Meade; grandchildren, Benjamin, Samuel, Colton, Ada, Clara, Charles, and Eliza; along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles; brother, Edward; father-in-law, Bill; mother-in-law, Barbara; and grandparents.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 4 until 6 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel.
Private interment will be at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Julie with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
