Even after long-time Brooklyn Park City Council Member Jeanette Meyer was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer this past spring, she continued to attend council meetings and serve the city. Meyer's husband said she wouldn't have had it any other way.
Wednesday night at a memorial service for Meyer, her family, friends and colleagues remembered the 58-year-old as a tireless champion for Brooklyn Park who relished her 13 years on the city council.
"She loved this city," said Meyer's husband, Terry Gearin. "She really loved being a council member."
Meyer was first elected to Brooklyn Park's council in 1998, representing the West District. Over the years, Meyer served as a mentor to many other newly elected council members.
Brooklyn Park Mayor Jeff Lunde recalled Meyer's humorous response after he sought advice from her during Lunde's early days on the council.
"She goes [sic], 'here is all you need to do, just find out which way I'm voting, and vote the same way'," said Lunde.
Meyer's older sister, Katherine Baker, remembered a strong and spirited woman who always spoke her mind.
"She didn't look to anyone around her for approval when it was time to state what she believed," said Baker. "I was always in awe of that strength in her."
Meyer's work on the city council over the years saw a wide range of issues from crime prevention and code enforcement to development and the extension of Highway 610. Meyer died of lung cancer May 20.
Alexandra Renslo reporting
arenslo@twelve.tv
Thursday, May 31, 2012