Colleen Elaine Meza

Colleen Elaine Meza was born September 29, 1941 in Johnson City, New York.  She was one of seven children born to John and Alice McBride.  

She attended and graduated from Seton Catholic High School.  In her grade school years, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Many fond memories of her involved her with her sisters singing and dancing. Coming from such a large family instilled an urge to work hard and to be thoughtful of others. 

She worked as a full time volunteer with Friendships, a Christian humanitarian organization for the past 35 years. Colleens’ life choices were directed by her great love of Jesus Christ and in 1987 she found a home with Friendships, serving the Lord by helping people in need. In her years with the organization, Colleen worked aboard Mercy Ship Spirit as a helmsman and watch officer. She served as the ships document officer and the organization’s personnel manager and headquarters office manager. Colleen’s work with Friendships took her to many regions of the world including the Soviet Union, Central America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, West Africa and the Middle East. At Friendships , Colleen met and married Gunter Meza, a special and precious relationship in her life. Colleen was a skilled, dedicated, steady, faithful member of the Friendships team, greatly loved and appreciated by all.

She was welcomed into Heaven on May 4, 2022 by her parents; a brother, John McBride; three sisters, Linda Panarello, Kathleen Hogan, and Deborah McBride. 

Those left to cherish her memory;  brothers:  Rick, Kevin, Scott, and Patrick; sisters Patricia (John Affleck), Ann, Eileen, Karen; nieces and nephews, Rich, Kim, Matthew, Kelly, Laurie, Brian, Tricia, Christopher, Rick, Nicole, John David, Ashley, Ryan; and Gunter Meza, the love of her life.

Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.