Meredith "Meri" Ann Willson of Littleton, Colorado, passed away gently in her sleep on August 12, 2025.

Meredith was a strong, loving, inquisitive, and social human being. She was utterly devoted to Bob, her husband and soulmate for their entire 65 years together. She was equally devoted to raising her two sons and participating in the lives of their families, especially spending time with her three grandchildren.

Meredith was blessed with both athletic and creative talents. She was an avid tennis player as both a competitor and a coach. Even as she aged, her surprising grip strength remained an enduring testament to her time on the court. Away from tennis, Meredith spent much of her free time painting watercolors or playing the guitar (she was a founding member of the "Mother Pluckers"). While she experimented with a variety of artistic media, her true talent shined in watercolor, which reflected her love of beauty inspired by the mountains and backroads of Colorado. She could often be found in her basement art studio … unless she was gallivanting in the mountains with Bob! She loved hiking, birdwatching, and identifying wildflowers.

Meredith and Bob traveled widely during retirement, from Alaska to Italy, and Costa Rica to Ireland. As often as possible they included their constant companion, Cassie, their yellow lab, especially on their extensive car-camping explorations of Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.

Meredith was born in Western Springs, Illinois on March 23, 1938 to Frederick and Gertrude Mattka. She was the middle child between older brother Frederick "Jerry" and younger brother William "Bill," both of whom pre-deceased her. Meredith graduated from Lyons Township High School and went on to the University of Wisconsin at Madison and then to Colorado where she completed a Master's degree in Medieval History at UC Boulder and also got her "Mrs." degree when she married Bob.

She spent an amazing 28-year career at Cherry Creek West Middle School teaching social studies, advising the gifted and talented club, and inspiring generations of students with her patience, creativity, and belief in their potential. She was deeply admired by colleagues and fondly remembered by students whose lives she shaped in meaningful ways.

Outside of her teaching responsibilities, Meredith made time to be active in the Littleton arts community as a member of the Littleton Fine Arts Guild and the Depot Arts Center. In addition, as a member of the Littleton City Arts Commission, she helped to select the bronze sculptures that grace the east entrance to downtown Littleton and points along the South Platte River Trail.

Meredith was also a prolific gardener, and when the back yard garden was not enough to satisfy, she expanded to community plots at a nearby church.

Meredith and Bob raised two sons, Loren (married to Kira) and Matthew (married to Marilyn). She was a proud grandmother to Noah, David, and Caroline, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Meredith will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, artistry, and the countless lives she touched through teaching, family, friendship, and civic engagement.

A private memorial will be held with family members at the Soward Ranch near Creede, Colorado - Bob and Meredith's happy place.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a scholarship fund for future teachers, or to a local arts or conservation organization, to honor Meredith's lifelong passions.