Obituary of Lola Meredith

PACIFIC GROVE Lola was born in Fairmont, West Virginia in 1937. She learned to use a hammer and quick wit from her clever father George (deceased) and exuded an unparalleled warmth and strict adherence to principles, both of which she acquired from her mother Iola (deceased). She grew up in Westerville, Ohio and had five children: Sue Ulry, Sharon Rohman, Scott Ulry (deceased 2009), Shelley Pedroza, and Stacy Ulry. Indeed, the only thing Lola was ever boastful about were her five children, her stepdaughter Jody and her Havanese, Summer. Ultimately, Summer was her favorite….mostly because she sat in Lola’s lap until the very end and occasionally licked her feet. In 1976, defying stereotypes and conventions, Lola left Ohio and made her way to the Monterey Peninsula. Upon cresting Highway 1 at Carmel Hill and looking down upon the Monterey Bay she was instantly captivated and decided to call the Peninsula her new home. Shortly thereafter she met and fell in love with her partner of 40 years, Ann. Together they created a home and a love that was so profound it would forever change anyone who was welcomed into their lives. From that love grew unforgettable holidays, dinners and celebrations, the likes of which created lasting memories and inspired others to be better people. Lola wore many hats throughout her life, as an award winning wardrobe and costume designer for local theatre companies, office manager of the Monterey County AIDS Project and as a front desk manager for the Inns of Monterey. She was creative beyond words whether she was working with paint, fabrics or creating the perfect holiday display and loved all travel, the magic of Santa Clause, food from the three major food groups (Fried, Fast and Sweet) and both Fall and Christmas, not necessarily in that order. She despised hypocrites, vegetables and cranky people, not necessarily in that order. During the last year of her life Lola faced cancer with grace and humor, but in the end she decided it was not a savvy adversary worthy of her energy. It wanted no part in the things she delighted in: travel, the beauty of Yosemite, Christmas, wit and clever word play. It only wanted to keep her from that which she loved and lived for: her beautiful and independent daughters, and the center of her universe, Ann. So on June 9, with Ann holding her hand in the home they made so magical, she said farewell…for now…and boarded the Polar Express of heart bound for the next great adventure. So when you feel the first crisp days of Autumn with its breathtaking crimsons and umbers, hear the rustle of a Christmas tree branch or glimpse the sparkle in Santa’s eye, know and Believe that Lola is everywhere….especially in your heart. Service Information