Obituary of Meredith Ann Mclean

Meredith Ann Arnold McLean Francis, 73, of Bay Head passed away September 5, 2016. Born in Elberon, NJ June 1, 1943, Meredith graduated from Long Branch High School and attended American University in Washington, DC. Being a member of the Daughters of The American Revolution, during her high school years she volunteered at the Monmouth County Historical Society, working side by side with local antique dealers and historians absorbing all the wonderful history of the area. An avid swimmer, she went on to be an Olympic contender in freestyle and butterfly. She opened Sign of The Golden Eagle Antique Shop in Shrewsbury with her Mother. Then with her love of cars her father instilled in her at a young age, she worked at local car shops where she specialized in foreign car mechanics, parts and sales, later joining Schneider Nelson Porsche Audi. Then, there was the fated day she went to buy a boat and the rest is history, she met George. The sale never took place but, the beginning of a beautiful forty plus year relationship did. They were inseparable; they shared a real love story. Meredith was recognized in New Jersey Monthly Magazine for her award-winning decoy carvings, which she worked on at Surf & Offshore and was able to teach other people who showed an interest in carving. She was Chairman of The Manasquan River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, fundraising for a cause she was extremely passionate about. She was also a member of Save Barnegat Bay, Porsche Club of America, Sports Car Club of America, Metedeconk River Yacht Club & Manasquan River Yacht Club. Meredith is survived by her children Craig Peter McLean, Courtney McLean MacKenzie & Douglas MacKenzie, George B. Francis & Carolyn Francis, granddaughter, Gillian Francis & sister Kathryn Woolley. Meredith was predeceased by her parents, Peter & Mildred Arnold and her true love husband, George A. Francis. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Simon By~The~Sea, 1324 Ocean Ave, Mantoloking, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Save Barnegat Bay, 725 B Mantoloking Rd., Brick, NJ 08723 or SAVE Animal Rescue, PO Box 503, Island Heights, NJ 08732. - See more at: