Florence "Queenie" Ann Mead Obituary (1911 - 2010)

"Queenie" Florence Ann Bickerstaff Mead died July 12 of natural causes. Born October 14, 1911 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England to Ann Maria Cutler and William Herbert Bickerstaff, she was known to most as Queenie. Her father was a carpenter in the Royal Navy and, after World War I, they moved to London for his work.It was in London that Queenie began working as a genealogist, a life-long love. In London in 1937, Queenie met and married William Thomas Mead; they later divorced. The family immigrated to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1950. Soon after arriving in Utah, Queenie began working at the LDS Genealogical Society. She was instrumental in creating the Extraction Program which amassed an immense electronic Family History data base.Those who know Queenie will remember her extraordinary talent and love of playing the piano and organ. She was called as the assistant ward organist at the age of 11 and was pleased to still be playing for the St. Joseph’s LDS Branch in her 98th year. She also enjoyed cooking for those she cared about. For many years, Queenie took dinners to her aged neighbors who have now passed on. Even into her 98th year, she continued to cook every Tuesday night for her family.Queenie was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and it was this membership and her strong testimony which were paramount in her life. She spent her life being of service to those she came in contact with. Queenie served a proselyting LDS mission to San Bernardino, CA. at age 71. She faithfully served in various other LDS Church callings throughout her life.She was preceded in death by her parents; brother George Bickerstaff; sister Alice Andersen; son John; and son-in-law Jay Thornton. She is survived by her children and 13 grandchildren; David (Pat) Mead and their children Eric, Michael and Megan; Ann (Lawrence) Rowley and their children Doug, Andrew, Edward, Beth, Nancy and Kent, and her daughter Margaret Thornton and her children Michael, Mark, Rosemary and Amy; and her 38 great-grand children. She was also close to her extended family and is survived by: George’s wife Frances and their children David, Launa, Deborah, John and Melanie; Alice’s daughter-in-law Diane and Alice’s grandchildren.She was cherished by many and will be missed by all. All who knew her loved her. There is now a hole in our world.The family expresses our heartfelt appreciation and to Nubia, Leslie and Rita from Intermountain Health Care Hospice who lovingly cared for Queenie.Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, July 17 at noon in the Wasatch LDS Ward, 1750 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held Friday, July 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street, Murray, and on July 17 at the Wasatch Ward from 11 to 11:45 a.m.