Meta Willis

Meta Willis passed May 29, 2018 in the comfort of her home, held by family members, as she had wanted it. She was born on May 1, 1930 to Morris and Frances Weintrob. She was predeceased by her older sister Riva Mandel; younger sister Ellen Schor; son Clifford Willis, and granddaughter Ayla Miethner. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Willis and partner Will Miller and Catherine Marie Willis; son John Willis and his wife Pauline Brett; grandsons Elijah Willis and Damien Miethner and her son in-law Ben Quinones and great-granddaughter Sophia Quinones.

Meta graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Adelphi University and a Masters of Science in Education from the University of Bridgeport. She had a full career teaching elementary school and was involved in creating the Project Explore Program for the Stamford, CT public schools. After retiring from the public schools, Meta mentored masters level student teachers and taught English to Russian immigrants.

Many found Meta to be a devoted long-time friend, even parents and early childhood students of hers from over the years. As she was a passionate appreciator of the arts, she loved to paint in water color and acrylics, photographed, made greeting cards, stitched crewel work and needle point while an avid reader. She often belonged to two book clubs simultaneously, attended art classes at the Tully Senior Center, as well as, the Bennett Cancer Center.

Meta survived chronic Lymphatic Leukemia for over 30 years and Pancreatic cancer for one year after being diagnosed. Even so, she continued her painting, crewel, reading and watching old movies. To honor her wishes, a memorial gathering will be held in a few months. Please contact Pauline Brett to be notified details of the memorial at paulinebrett@hotmail.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Olympics give. special olympics. org or The In-Sight Photography Project

www.insightphotography.org