Megan May Barrett, 35, of Lansing, Mich., passed away early in the morning on March 19 after a massive hemorrhagic stroke. She was surrounded by her loved ones throughout her time in the Neurological ICU and during her last weeks in hospice care.
Megan was born July 3, 1980 to Ken and Cheryl Barrett of Friendship and is survived by her father and stepmother, Ken and Jen Barrett of Silver Springs, Fla.; sister and brother-in-law, Amanda and Matthew Grieshop of Lansing, Mich.; nephews, Sam, Arlo and Otis Grieshop; fiancé, Josh Hillsey of Lansing, Mich., sweet Labrador, Sandie; and many, many family and friends around the country.
After graduating from Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro, Megan attended Framingham State University with a partial basketball scholarship. She graduated in 2002 with a B.A. degree in Media and Communications.
With the sudden diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and eventual death of her mother in 2007, Megan felt compelled to return home to Maine to be with her family. While grieving, Megan volunteered and eventually worked for the American Cancer Society (ACS) organizing and planning Relay For Life events.
In 2010, Megan transferred with ACS to Lansing, Mich. where she was able to be close to her sister and brother-in-law and play an active and loving role as aunt to her three nephews.
While working intimately with Lansing area communities, Megan fell in love with Lansing’s Old Town neighborhood and eventually took a position as the executive director of the Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA). Although her career path led her to work as the communications and content marketing manager for Two Men and a Truck in Lansing, Megan continued to serve on the board of directors for the OTCA.
Megan touched many lives with her empathy and compassion, her charisma and charm, as well as, her contagious smile. She continued to be a vibrant and integral part of her community until her recent illness and death.
There will be a celebration of life ceremony held at 3 p.m., Sat., April 30 at The Hahn Community Center, 31 Main St., Friendship.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in Megan’s honor to the American Stroke and Heart Association.
