Mary Eleanor Van Meter

Mary Eleanor Van Meter, a beloved member of the Mardela Springs community, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the age of 86. Born in Athol, MD on May 1, 1938, Mary was a daughter of the late Claude Allen Cordrey and Ruth Hatton Cordrey and proud 1957 graduate of Mardela High School. Eleanor dedicated over five decades of her life to serving Wicomico County Public Schools as the Owner and Operator of Bus #131, where she not only transported students but multiple generations of her own family. Her commitment to the education and safety of children was unparalleled, and her impact on the community was immeasurable. During the summer months, Eleanor could be found behind the wheel of Camp Odyssey's bus, ensuring that countless children enjoyed enriching experiences. In addition to her work with the school system, she also contributed to Mardela High School's cafeteria, nourishing students with care and kindness. A devout member of Athol Baptist Church, in her younger years Eleanor served as Children's Choir Director and Sunday School teacher, sharing her faith and love with the youth of her congregation. Eleanor's passion for Southern Gospel music was evident to all who knew her. She rarely missed a hymn sing within a 25-mile radius, showcasing her unwavering devotion to the songs that brought her joy and comfort throughout her life. Her family meant the world to her and she was always supportive and in attendance at any activity her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were involved in. Eleanor also had a love and appreciation for nature, and especially loved her hummingbirds. The past 2 years she was a resident of and called Wicomico Nursing Home, her home. She loved being there. She was known to all as "The Mayor." She served as president of the Resident Council and was proudly crowned the 2024 Senior Prom Queen, If there was an activity going on she was there front and center and encouraging other residents to "come and join in the fun." The family would like to offer a special thank you to the administration and entire staff of Wicomico Nursing Home for the care, compassion, socialization and most of all the love you have given to their mother. Eleanor is survived by her loving children, son, Robert Allen Van Meter, Sr. and wife Joan, daughters, Dee Calloway, Wendy Catlin-Hamblin and husband, Ed and Janet Fox and husband, Andy; grandchildren, April, Brandon, Robbie, Thomas, Nathan, Katie and Jessie; 16 great grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Violet Bedsworth and Linda Johnson. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert W. Van Meter, a sister, who died at birth, Martha Cordrey, a grandson, Thomas Calloway and a great grandson, Mason Hunt. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November, 21, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, and also on Friday from 10:00 am to 11:00. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Wayne Holland will officiate. Interment will follow at Mardela Memorial Cemetery. In honor of her wishes, her son Bob and all 7 grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Wicomico Nursing Home, Activities Department, 900 Booth Street, Salisbury, MD 21801. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Mary Eleanor Van Meter

May 1, 1938 - November 17, 2024