Meredith McGilvray Hoover slipped peacefully away on the morning of July 20, 2015, to once more be united with her beloved husband.
Meredith was born on Dec. 9, 1927, in Palo Alto, Calif., to Gladys and Malcolm McGilvray. She would be only a toddler when she would meet the boy who would later become her husband. In between, she attended Palo Alto High School, San Jose State, and would eventually begin nursing studies at Stanford University.
She was in her first year of nursing school when Herbert “Pete” Hoover III asked her to join him in what would become a lifetime of adventure for them both.
They began in Boston, going through Arizona, living in Europe for several years, and finally landing in Southern California, where they remained for 45 years. Early adventures included raising their three children: Stephen, Michael and Leslie. While in Europe, Meredith experienced cooking school in Paris taught by Simone Beck and Julia Child. All of the family benefited from Meredith’s outstanding cooking skills.
Both Meredith and Pete were very involved with the American Red Cross, devoting over 35 years as volunteer disaster relief workers in the Pacific Islands region. You would find them both at international kite festivals, where they happily joined other kite fliers from all over the world. Traveling to the far reaches of the world, 130 countries under their belt, was a great pleasure for them, as well. A memorable trip in 1974 found them on motorcycle and sidecar, traveling the perimeter of the United States on a journey that would take six weeks.
Meredith spent many hours volunteering in hospitals, libraries, and pretty much wherever she felt she was needed. Giving of herself to others was always important to her. Always a gracious and giving lady to the very end. Despite being a relative newcomer to the Hood River area, she quickly befriended many in the community. It was hard not to like Meredith.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Pete; son Michael; siblings Marcia and Malcolm; and her parents.
She is survived by her loving family: Stephen Hoover, Leslie Hoover-Lauble (Todd), grandchildren Jennifer Marsh, Stephen Marsh and Hagen DeLoss, and a joy in her life, great-grandson Jackson Mosebach.
No services are planned. In memory and honor of Meredith, try to remember how easy it is to extend a kindness to those around you. It takes but a moment to recognize and smile at someone.
Most gracious thank-yous to Hearts of Gold Caregivers and Providence Hospice of the Gorge.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000.