Meta's Life

Meta was born in Newfoundland on July 13, 1919, the youngest of nine girls. Her Mother died when Meta was very young, but the sisters took good care of the baby of the family. Times were very tough and Meta grew very fond of potatoes and got used to hand-me-down clothes - boy would that change in the future!

In her twenties, Meta immigrated to the United States and became a citizen. Her cousin Bertie, who lived in Brooklyn, New York was very supportive and so was her sister Nora Wrixon. Meta met Johnny Olson at the Danish Club and in 1956 they married. Instantly, Meta became the mother of an 11 year old girl - Karen. The three had a happy life and in 1964 they moved to Hillside Lake, New York and made many more friends. Sadly, Johnny died suddenly in 1968.

Later in 1968, Meta moved to Walnut Creek, California to be close to her cousins Bertie and Loretta. With Bertie as the supporting and guiding light, Karen and Dell also moved to California and the three settled into an apartment together. Meta had always worked and tried different jobs. At one time she wanted to be an elevator operator “because they wore nice uniforms.” (Adult Meta was always dressed stylishly.) But for most of her working years, she was a switchboard operator. She found a job at J.C.Penney and worked there until her retirement.

In 1981 Meta met and married Bob Potempa. Throughout their 22 years of marriage the two were socially active and hosted many parties. With Bob an active member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Moraga, they made many friends and developed wonderful memories. Bob retired from the Printing business and Meta retired too, and they settled into an active retirement life - Bob golfing and Meta renewing her lifelong interest in knitting. Everybody got a scarf or hat for Christmas!

In 2004, Meta and Bob moved to Reno to be close to Karen. Sadly, Bob succumbed to Alzheimer's shortly after the move and Meta was widowed once again. She moved to Sky Peaks Retirement Home and made lot of new friends. Meta and Karen grew even closer after she moved to Reno. They did a lot of shopping at J. C. Penney’s and went to lunch. She would tell stories – many funny - and they would laugh to tears. Meta had many good memories but she grew melancholy for the good old days.

Meta was doing quite well until 2007 when she fell and broke a hip and had to move to an assisted living facility, The Seasons. She recovered strongly from the hip surgery, but in 2008 she fell and broke the other hip. This took a heavy toll, but again she recovered, and resumed her exercises and walking. Happily, we were able to share in the celebration of Meta’s 90th Birthday this past July. Unfortunately, she grew increasingly unsteady on her feet and fell again for a third time. This time she suffered a serious head injury and just didn’t have the strength to recover.

We wish to extend heartfelt condolences and expressions of support to all of Meta's family and friends - who we know miss her and are suffering the deep feeling of loss that the passing of a memorable person such as Meta leaves. She will be very much missed by her daughter Karen Benson and Karen’s family - husband Ralph and Daughter Kristina (Kriss) and Kriss’ husband, Arthur. Of the 9 sisters and her much beloved cousins Bertie Smith, Dell Oblacyznski and Loretta Beach, Meta was the last to pass away. Meta made arrangements with the Neptune Society for her remains, but a Mass at St. Monica’s in Moraga will be said on 11/15/2009 at 5:30.


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