MEEKER, Josephine P.

Passed away peacefully, of Covid, on Monday, January 11, 2021 at St. Catharine’s General Hospital. Josephine was predeceased by her loving husband and soulmate of fifty years, Donald Measner, who died in May 2018.  She is survived by her sister Rosemary Walton (Ronald) and her nephew David (Karen) Walton in Hamilton, her niece, Wendy Nelson in Toronto and many nieces and nephews in the United States. 
 
Born in Hamilton in 1930 to William “Bill” Stanley and Edythe Meeker, Josephine was the elder of two daughters.  Her father was active in the Hamilton business community and practiced community pharmacy throughout his lifetime.
 
Josephine was a proud graduate of the then fledgling McMaster University and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1953.  After McMaster, she began her teaching career at Hill Park Secondary School in Hamilton. By 1960, Jo had continued her graduate studies in geography at Indiana University and Columbia University in New York City, where she met her future husband, Donald. During her time in New York City, Josephine also worked for the United Nations.
 
After completing her graduate studies at Columbia, Josephine returned to Canada to continue her teaching and academic career at Brock University in 1965, shortly after the University was established. In fact, Josephine was the first female Faculty member hired by Brock University and was proud to dedicate her career to the growth and development of Brock University from 1965 through retirement in 1996.
 
As a committed academic leader, Josephine was instrumental in development of Brock’s School of Continuing Studies and the Women’s Studies Programme.  As well as serving as Professor in the Department of Geography, she was appointed to the University Senate, where she served a term as Chair.  During her time at Brock, she used her skills in geography when appointed as a member of the Niagara Escarpment Commission, working diligently to increase awareness and protection of the Niagara Escarpment. 
 
Josephine was a passionate teacher and mentor, ardently committed to her students and colleagues, with whom she maintained many lifelong friendships.  Ahead of her time, Josephine was a pioneer and trailblazer for women in academia and was extremely proud of her career as a woman geographer.  She was admired by all for her independence, keen intelligence and fierce determination.
 
There will be a virtual celebration of Josephine’s life for students, colleagues, friends and family on Sunday, March 7 at 2 p.m.    To participate, please contact the family via Wendy Nelson  ([email protected]) or Karen Walton ([email protected]) 
 
Donations can be made in memory of Josephine Meeker to McMaster University Library (www.givetomcmaster.ca or call directly to 905-525-9140 Ext 24224) or to Brock University (www.brocku.ca/donate).