MARTHA MEADE of San Francisco, died June 25, 2012, at age 55. Martha Genevieve Meade, Associate Superintendent of Education for Jefferson Union High School District in California was killed in a car accident just west of Spring Grove, Minn., on June 25 as she was traveling to Decorah, Iowa, to visit friends. Martha touched many lives, both through her 22-year career in public education and because of her outgoing personality and the caring, attentive way that she lived. On July 3 a service of prayers and readings was held at Luther College. A celebration of her life was held August 11, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Ignatius Church, San Francisco. Martha was born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, April 3, 1957. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1975, and earned a B.A. in History and Latin American Studies at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, in 1979, where she served as Admissions Representative from 1980 to 1985. In 1985-86, she studied immigration history at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After moving to San Francisco, she taught social science at Westmoor High School in Daly City, Calif., from 1990-2008; after earning her M.A. in Education from San Francisco State University in 2005, she served as Vice Principal for Guidance at Westmoor from 2008-2011. She began as Associate Superintendent of Jefferson Union High School District in 2011. Martha loved laughter and conversation, reading, hiking, collecting ceramics, and sharing good food and wine with friends. She was a warm and generous hostess and a treasured guest. She traveled extensively throughout the United States and visited many places in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Martha is survived by her partner of 19 years, Steve Turmes, of Sonoma, Calif., and siblings Daniel of Burlington, Iowa; Richard of North Liberty, Iowa; Teresa of Delmar, N.Y.; and Leo of Pecos, Tex.; and eight nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to two scholarships in her name: The Martha Genevieve Meade Memorial Scholarship c/o Luther College Development Office, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101, and the Martha Meade Scholarship, c/o Jefferson Union High School District, 699 Serramonte Blvd., Suite 100, Daly City, CA 94015. The scholarships will help to carry on Martha’s dedication to providing all students with a quality education regardless of financial circumstances.