Jane May Meinhold, 74, died on Sept. 24, 2026, surrounded by her three children (Adam, Aaron, and Joanna), her kids-by-marriage (Rebekah, Lauren, and Kamal), and her two grandchildren (Nathan and Graham).
Born on Nov. 4, 1951, her story of hard work, dedication, and a mother’s love was an inspiration to everyone she met. She grew up on the Meinhold family farm near Streator, where she helped raise cows, chickens, and pigs along with corn and soybeans. She was the valedictorian of her Wenona High School class (1969) and went on to obtain degrees from the University of Illinois (chemistry), UIC (pharmacy), and UT Health Sciences (doctor of pharmacy).
When her only marriage ended in divorce in the early 1990s, she put her head down and went to work as a single mother. A successful career in pharmacy and medical research enabled her to retire in 2014 at the age of 62. She maintained the family home on Forest Avenue in River Forest for 40 years, before moving to Oak Brook in 2023. In 2011, she bought a second home in Scottsdale, Arizona and spent her retirement as a snowbird.
Always up for having fun and pursuing new hobbies, she demonstrated that you’re never too old for adventure or to try something new. She was an avid reader and participated in various book clubs, played tuba in the high school band and piano from a young age. In her 40s, she learned tap dancing and skiing, and also became certified in scuba diving. Later she started playing more golf and took up pickleball, and also learned how to speak German and play Mah Jong (American version). She loved traveling and made trips to every continent other than Antarctica, including going on a safari in Tanzania which was her favorite.
She diligently attended her progeny’s games, recitals, graduations, and other events over the years. She also loved Illinois men’s basketball. Often described as a “firecracker,” she also loved red sports cars. She was someone who would tell it to you straight no matter what.
Her humor, spirit, and bright blue eyes will be long remembered.