Shirley Anne Meek, age 90, of Oswegatchie, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She spent her final days welcoming friends and loved ones who made the pilgrimage from across the North Country to pay their respects. True to form, Shirley dutifully kept a list of every visitor.

Shirley was born on September 22, 1935, in Ogdensburg to the late Robert James and Helen Catherine (Evans) Caufield. She attended the one-room schoolhouse in Heuvelton before the family moved to Oswegatchie. There, Shirley went to the Oswegatchie School and graduated from Clifton-Fine Central School in 1953.

She married Harold W. Meek on February 22, 1954, at St. Hubert's Catholic Church, officiated by Father Robert Farmer. Their home on Oswegatchie Trail was always full of family, friends, and laughter. Harold and Shirley kept an eye on the neighborhood from their favorite perch in the garage, waving or raising a can of Genesee at every vehicle that drove by.

Harold passed away on May 9, 2020. Shirley kept his ashes nearby her recliner in the living room and, for the first time in 66 years, had exclusive control of the TV remote.

Shirley began her working career in the kitchen of Clifton-Fine Hospital after school and in the office on the weekends. She worked as a full-time nurse's aid from 1955 to 1975 and also started working as a clerk for the Post Office in 1971.

In 1978, she became a full-time rural mail carrier in Oswegatchie and Star Lake. Shirley was famous on her route for delivering homemade sandwiches to neighborhood dogs and Spearmint gum to the kids. Seeing her car pull onto the street, tails would start wagging and kids would start jockeying for position at the mailbox. She retired in 2001.

Shirley enjoyed being a volunteer at the Clifton-Fine Hospital long-term care floor for many years. She was a member of the Clifton-Fine Senior Citizens Group where she served as secretary; a member of the Fine Home Bureau; secretary of the Oswegatchie Cemetery Association; and secretary of the St. Lawrence County Rural Carriers Association. She also served as the Town of Fine Historian, received the Northern Tier Diversity Award through the Postal Service, and was named St. Lawrence County Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2014.

Shirley is survived by her eight children, William Meek (Jennifer), Cherie Brown (Butch), Catherine Rice (Lew Adams), Tom Meek, Jim "Homer" Meek (Julie), Mary Gearsbeck (Scott), Stephen Meek, and Dave Meek.

She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, who will dearly miss the thoughtful handwritten notes — and cash — they received for every birthday, holiday, and milestone.

Shirley is predeceased by her husband, Harold Meek; son Harold "Harry" Meek; brother Thomas Caufield; and sister Mary Kaye Caufield.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Shirley's best friend, Dianna Mackay, whose care and loving attention brought her great comfort in her final days.

Calling hours will be held at French Family Funeral Home in Star Lake on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. Her funeral Mass will be held at St. Hubert's Catholic Church on Thursday, May 14, at 12 p.m. Burial will follow in the Oswegatchie Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Shirley may be made to the Star Lake Fire and Rescue Squad, PO Box 22, Star Lake, NY 13690, or the Oswegatchie Cemetery Association, 4078 State Highway 3, Star Lake, NY 13690.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.