Maurita Mead

Maurita Ann (Costa)  Mead, age 74 of Erie, passed away on October 20, 2017 at her home following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on November 15, 1942 alongside her surviving, beloved twin sister, Marie Bebell, whom she shared an extraordinary bond with. They are the daughters of Genevieve Costa and the late James Costa.

Maurita attended St. Andrew Elementary School and graduated from Villa Maria Academy in 1960. Professionally, Maurita worked at the Times News Publishing Co. as a circulation manager for many years where she met her late husband, Edward M. Mead and made many other lasting relationships with co-workers and clients alike.

Maurita loved spending quality time at her cottage on the lake, where she made countless memories with family and friends, leaving a lasting impression on that entire community. She was also an avid reader, enjoyed golfing and was an accomplished gardener in the Seedling Garden Club. Maurita took great pleasure in traveling, most recently to the Outer Banks in North Carolina with her entire close family. She was also able to connect with extended family in the Azores in Portugal. Additionally, she convened annually with a group of girlfriends from the states and Canada, dubbing themselves “The Cackle Club” from the mid 1980’s to the present, leading to very special enduring friendships.

Maurita was a member of the Kahkwa Club and served on many boards. She volunteered for Hospice for a time, honoring her late sister, Marguerite’s  battle with cancer. She also made several contributions to the community that remain anonymous, as she did not like calling attention to herself. Ultimately, Maurita made a positive difference in many lives and brought boundless joy to everyone she met.

Most significantly, Maurita’s role as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother demonstrated her unconditional devotion to her family. Her altruistic spirit and undeniable sincerity were evident to all who were lucky enough to know her.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Maurita’s first cousin, Jeanne VanEyk for her unwavering love, dedication, and selfless care for Maurita during her illness. Her knowledge and gentle nature was comforting to all. Jeanne’s presence was absolutely invaluable.

 Besides her father, James Costa and husband, Edward Mead, Maurita was also preceded in death by a sister, Marguerite Seippele, and a grandson, Tyler Culp.

She is survived by her three children, Tamara Salchak; Tracy Wojcik (Joseph), and Chris Salchak (Elie). She is the grandmother of Daniel McNally, Kara Waterhouse (Luke), Justin and Isabel and is the great-grandmother of Kaden Waterhouse and Jackson Culp. She is the step mother of The Hon. John James Mead (Blair), Edward Mathews Mead (Letty) and Daniel Mead and is also survived by 6 step- grandchildren. Maurita is the sister of Marie Bebell (Donald) and Jim Costa (Sandy). Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends are invited to call at the John J. Quinn Funeral Home, West 9^th & Liberty St. on Thursday where a Prayer Service will be held at 4:00 PM followed by visitation until 8:00 PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lake Erie Youth Road Crew, 5236 Jason Rd., Erie, PA 16506 in memory of her grandson, Tyler R. Culp. Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Maurita’s life on Friday, October 27, 2017  from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM at the Kahkwa club.