Winifred E. Meahl

Winifred E. Meahl, of New York City and Akron, New York died on June 22, 2023.  The daughter of the late Grover B. and Geraldine (Buckley) Meahl, was born on April 9, 1933 and grew up in Akron, New York.  She was a graduate of Akron High School and Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English.

She began a long career in market research with Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, later moving to Chicago where she worked for Leo Burnett Advertising.  In 1964, she moved to New York City where she resided until May of 2021, when she returned to Western New York.  While in New York City she was employed by Grey Advertising as well as several market research firms before starting her own market research consulting business, working for many diverse clients, including Bristol-Myers, Warner Brothers, Clairol, Estee Lauder, and many others.

She returned to Akron every summer and for the Christmas holidays to be with family and friends.  She is survived by her sister, Barbara (late Joseph R.) Capan of Akron, NY, nieces and nephews, Joseph G. (Linda) Capan, James (Dianne Lucas) Capan, Jane (Steven) Karl, Julie (Carl) Patterson, all of Akron, and Mark (Julie) Meahl, Gregory Meahl, and Eileen (Michael) Ige of California.  She is also survived by many great and great-great nieces and nephews, plus many good friends, and cousins. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Edward Michael Meahl and great-nephew, James Richard Capan.

Winifred was an active advocate for animals, having rescued and found homes for many and even running a small cat shelter in NYC.  She also enjoyed dancing, theater, the ballet, traveling, and sharing time with friends and family.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, July 8 at the Akron First Baptist Church, 122 Main Street, Akron, NY from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. with a memorial service immediately following. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. Please visit rossakron.com to share memories and condolences with Winifred‘s family.

Interment will be in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery, Akron, NY.  Flowers gratefully declined.  If desired, memorials in Winifred’s name may be made to: Defenders of Animal Rights, 14412 Old York Road, Phoenix, Maryland 21131, The SPCA Serving Erie County, 300 Harlem Road, West Seneca, NY 14424, The First Baptist Church, 122 Main Street, Akron, NY 14001 or The Newstead Historical Society, PO Box 222, Akron NY 14001.