Modeanna DeSmet

A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. on May 27, 2022, at Foothill Bible Church in Calimesa, CA.

Modeanna Imogene McMeekin was born in Burke, SD, on August 8, 1928, to Ralph and Dorothy McMeekin.

After graduating from high school, she married and started teaching in a one-room country school, teaching all eight grades. After her husband graduated from college, they moved to California where she spent the rest of her life. She taught school for 40 years. During that time, she obtained her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and started on her doctorate.

In 1990, Claire DeSmet, who lived outside of Chicago, IL, was able to obtain her telephone number and convince her to marry him.

They had grown up 35 miles apart in South Dakota. They were married for nearly 31 years. They enjoyed traveling together and keeping in touch with family. Modeanna passed away on May 7, 2022.

Modeanna passed away on May 7, 2022.

She is survived by her husband Claire O. DeSmet; sister Betty Klein; five children: Dorothy Jacques, Dian Buchanan, Loretta Airey, Dan Nelson, and Edward Cook; step-son Gary Swartos; ten grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sister Jenis Audiss, and son Joseph Amato.