MARYLAND - Meta K. Wilkens, 78, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at the A.O. Fox Memorial Nursing Home with family by her side.

Meta was born Feb. 15, 1930, in Grosshain, Germany, the daughter of Johann and Sophie (Jost) Brauer.

Meta and Christoph F. Wilkens were married Oct. 10, 1950, in Grosshain, Germany. Christoph predeceased her in August of 2004.

Meta had a great love for family, gardening, crocheting special doilies, the great outdoors and her many extravagant flower beds. These flower beds could be seen for some distance and will be truly missed by area residents.

Meta worked for 35 years preparing dinners at Brooks' House of Bar-B-Qs. Her love for cooking was prevalent in the preparation of huge holiday feasts for her family and friends.

Meta is survived by a son, Fred and Carol, of Oneonta; three daughters, Marge and Rich Fife, of Masonville, Anka and Peter of Westford, and Tina and Kevin of Cherry Valley; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by five brothers; and a sister-in-law in Germany.

Calling hours will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2008, at the Heller Funeral Home in Schenevus, with a funeral services following at noon. Officiating will be the Rev. Larry Russell, pastor at the Schenevus United Methodist Church. Interment will take place in the Maryland Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Meta, to the Schenevus-Maryland Emergency Squad, 105 County Highway 34, Schenevus, NY 12155.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.hellerfuneralhome.com.

The Heller Funeral Home, 25 Arch St., in Schenevus, is serving the family.