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Megan Lally Obituary
She was born in New Bedford, MA on October 9, 1980 to James and Pauline (Lemieux) Lally. Megan, the oldest of two children, and sister Jocelyn (Chicago, IL) were raised in Acushnet, MA.
Megan entered Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth, MA in 1994 and graduated Valedictorian in 1998. She entered Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in the fall of 1998, and graduated Summa Cum Laude earning a BS degree in Mathematical Sciences in May, 2002. Numerous lifelong friendships were made at each milestone.
While studying at WPI, Megan met fellow student and Computer Science major David "Rusty" Gray in 1999. After a lengthy courtship, the two married in Las Vegas, NV on April 12, 2005.
It was also during her time at WPI that Megan sought a co-op job opportunity with Stratus Technologies in Maynard, MA where she would ultimately work full time as a Software Engineer for much of the last decade. During a brief hiatus from Stratus, Megan worked towards becoming a financial planner at Ameriprise; however, she realized that Software Engineering was her true vocation and returned to Stratus.
In the Winter of 2003, Megan purchased her dream home and enjoyed much time devoted to design, home improvement and gardening activities. With a dedicated craft room and kitchen, her creative hobbies of sewing, knitting, crafting and cooking flourished.
Megan and Rusty enjoyed traveling all over the country and world, seeing live music acts like Phish, Ani Difranco and Umphrey's McGee. They also enjoyed brewing and consuming craft beer, cheering for the Boston Red Sox and regularly training for and running in 5k- and half-marathon races. In January, 2009, the couple adopted a pair of cats from the Worcester Animal Shelter. Megan loved Poster and Reba and they brought her much joy.
After a breast cancer diagnosis in April of 2008, Megan discovered yet another talent that she excelled at: blogging. http://meganpinkblog.blogspot.com was started to communicate health and treatment progress with her loved ones. Soon people were reading her blog all over the world.
Megan's brave and candid story has become a source of inspiration for countless others. In a time when Megan could have easily withdrawn, she let her beautiful sense of humor, creative frankness and descriptive story-telling inform and comfort all.
With her keen mind, skilled hands, sharp wit, and loving sensibilities, Megan accomplished more in her thirty short years on Earth than most accomplish in a lifetime.
Visiting hours for Megan will be Thursday, September 8 at Mercadante Funeral Home, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester from 5-8 p.m. A traditional Catholic Mass will be held for Megan on Friday, September 9th at St. Joseph's Catholic Community in Fairhaven, MA at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Megan's memory may be made to breastcancer.org. To share your thoughts and memories of Megan, please visit her personal guestbook at:
mercadantefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Megan Lally
Stefeni Bartlett
September 29, 2011
To the Family and Friends of Megan,
May God give you the strength and peace to know she is with Him.
thelma watts
September 12, 2011
My Familey and I are so sorry for your lost. she was a great girl.I remember watching her and her sister a couple of time and enjoy them each time.She will always live in our hearts and mine forever
September 9, 2011
Megan was an exceptional person that made the world a better place. She will be missed by those that knew her and those that were inspired by her. Thoughts are with Rusty and her family.
Joan and Bob Brazeau
Bruce O
September 9, 2011
James, My deepest sympathy for the loss of your daughter Megan. Though I did not know her, she appears to have been a wonderful human being. I cannot imagine your pain.
Cindy Boaen
September 8, 2011
So sorry for the loss of Megan. I worked with Megan and, like others, so appreciated her cheerfulness and helpfulness. Tho' she lost the battle with cancer, she was a winner in life.
Nikki Veilleux-Houle
September 7, 2011
God bless... until we meet again.
Gina L
September 7, 2011
So sorry for your loss. Megan and I were in grade school together. She was always such a sweetheart. Megan, you are in the arms of God. May you comfort your loved ones in this very difficult time. Rest peacefully.
September 7, 2011
jane flynn
Candice Longworth
September 7, 2011
My deepest symapthys to the Lally family. I can t imagine the pain and the loss you are feeling. Megan was a wonderful person and your wonderful memeories will carry you through
Joni Wall
September 7, 2011
What a blessing your Megan was to you and to so many others. I will always remember the strength she had even as a child. She once did one of the kindest things imaginable for me at the young age of 12. All the angels will watch over her and all of you. I wish you peace.
Kelly Ellis
September 7, 2011
My sympathy to Megan's family. Megan was a strong woman and an inspiration to all. I will miss our talks.
SIncerely, Kelly Ellis, (BCBSMA)
NICOLE DASILVA
September 7, 2011
WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED..MY FONDEST MEMORIE WAS CCD CLASS AT YOUR HOUSE....XOXO
Vicki Sullivan
September 7, 2011
Although I met Megan only a couple of times, I was struck by how genuinely sweet she was. And I thought how nice a couple she and David were.
Truly a soul whose life was cut short, but for those who knew her how lucky to have had the time they did with her.
My sympathy to David, who lost his soulmate. May he find some peace in the days to come.
Pat Daigle
September 7, 2011
My sincere sympathy to Megan's family. I knew Megan as a classmate and friend of my daughter Kerry in her earlier years. My prayers and thoughts to you all. She was an incredible young woman.
Matt S
September 6, 2011
I worked briefly at Stratus a few years ago and I had the privilege of speaking with Megan a few times, she was always so cheerful and helpful had a wonderful smile that I still remember.
Though I didn't know her very well, or had any real knowledge of what she was going through at the time, after reading through her blog I now do. I will always remember her as a brave, intelligent, kind, and wonderful person.
My heart goes out to her family and her friends.
-Matt S
Michael Sherwood
September 6, 2011
Words can't describe my level of sadness at Megan's passing. They also can't describe my fondness for Megan's intellect, wit, kindness, humor, musical sensibilities (more on that later), toughness, courage and her capacity to love. Megan, Rusty and I first met a decade ago in the context of music. We all shared a special bond traveling to see, listening to and discussing our favorite bands. Our relationship grew well beyond that. For those who have posted here that weren't fortunate enough to "know" Megan and her loving husband Rusty; the words: "perfect couple" certainly apply. I know that Megan will be missed by so many people. The other side of that coin is that her memory will continue to inspire and influence countless others. She was was truly someone who you would want to find yourself "in a foxhole" with. When the chips were down, Megan rose to the occasion. I can't imagine how difficult these past weeks (and frankly years) have been for Megan and Rusty and their respective families. Rusty, please know just how many people you have in your corner (Megan included most importantly) as you navigate these troubled waters. I echo everybody's sentiments about how wonderful a person Megan was, and how grateful we all are for having come into contact with her. Megan, I love you and I will miss you dearly.
With great respect, sympathies and admiration,
Mike
Dave Johnston
September 6, 2011
As a colleague and friend of Jim's, I heard many stories about Megan and how very proud he was of her. So very sorry for your loss.
Gary Franco
September 6, 2011
To Megan's family ,
My deepest and sincerest condolences. Megan was an unbelievable girl in high school when I knew her and I had no doubt she would grow to be an unbelievable woman. Megan always had a kind word, a smile on her face, and of course, she was the smartest girl in our class. Her obituary testifies to the incredible life she led.
September 6, 2011
I have been reading Megan's blog this afternoon....her writing shows her obvious bravery and humor, but is heart breaking in its conclusion and your families terrible loss. Gods speed....
September 6, 2011
To Rusty & Megan's Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Megan was a wonderful person and a great neighbor. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Rusty, and all the family.
Sincerely,
Patti & Bill Sullivan
Anne Tavares-Buker
September 6, 2011
I still remember Megan as that little blonde girl, growing up with my baby sister, Susan. You spent so much time at my parents' house, like you were part of the family. You will always be in our hearts.
Anne Tavares-Buker
patrick bellemare
September 6, 2011
when no words will do
dear pauline
over the last few days i have been thinking of a proper way the proper words to express my thoughts
after all it is my job to preserve life but also to witness the end of it.
my work setting is a trauma critical care unit which i head every day i have to deliver bad news to families i even allow myself to think i developped a skill to make the unbearable tolerable. i go home thinking i can have a soothing effect on other human beings and my arrogance is such that i teach what i do , but today is different . i do not feel smart or soothing or competent like many in my family i am heart broken despite the fact that megan was almost a stanger to me.
i try to find a sense,a rational or a justice to your last few days and i cannot.
i barely knew your daughter but she has been in our thoughts since her leaving us.
besides challenging our faith with this series of unfair events, megan reminded us all of the fragillity of life and despite giving them life and raising them our children are just lent to us for a while. then they leave to lead their own destiny which sometimes includes the unbearable.
megan reminds us of the strength we do not have the strength it took to face and fight disease that only the sick understand. the strength it takes to let one of our children go that only a grieving parent can understand . certainly i cannot pretend to understand that strength but i witnessed it frequently enough to keep my faith
the thought of your daughter makes me cherish even more my own children than i thought i could the thought of you makes me wish i had this gift to find the proper words
my family joins me to tell you we love you and think of you
your cousin and friend
patrick bellemare
Luke Connery
September 6, 2011
My deepest condolences to Rusty, Jocelyn, the rest of Megan's family, and to all whose heart she touched along the way.
I had the fortune of knowing Megan in high school and in college. Last time I saw her, Megan had just made the move into financial advising and was nothing but thrilled and enthusiastic about the new prospect. She was ALWAYS this way.
Megan was a very special person who will be missed by many.
Louise Loveland
September 6, 2011
To Megan's family and friends,
We are so, so, sorry for your loss. Megan was truly a wonderous and enchanting person. Her smile would light up a room and to hear her laugh was just magical. She was such a joy and the world loved her for it. Her departure leaves a hole in our hearts and we are all deeply saddened. We just want to hug her one more time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. - The Loveland Family
Robert Craig
September 6, 2011
Rusty,
You and Megan are both in our thoughts and prayers. She was a truly remarkable woman. We are very glad to have known her.
YF Rob Craig ('97) & Amy Craig
jenn whitney
September 6, 2011
You will always be loved, and thought of often in our home! We love and miss you Megabucks!! The Whitney Clan
Bill Farr
September 6, 2011
I am deeply saddened by this news. Megan was a student of mine and an outstanding contributor to our department and the WPI community.
Donald Napert
September 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go to Megan's family at this most trying time.
Don Napert
September 6, 2011
I never knew Megan or Rusty, but after reading Megan's blog I feel like I "know" her in some way. Her story and brave fight is inspriring and touching, to say the very least. May she rest in peace and may you all find comfort knowing that she has touched many, many lives in her short time here on earth.
September 6, 2011
Rusty,
David and I were so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Diana and David Travers
NMS
September 6, 2011
I did not know Megan..but I read her blog..AMAZING WOMAN!! enough said! May she rest in peace
September 6, 2011
i never sign a guestbook of a person i did not know but am compelled to megan sounds like a amazing person truly a great loss for us all!!!
Patty McHugh
September 5, 2011
I was truly saddened to hear about Megan's death. I admired her courage and fortitude in her fight against breast cancer. I will remember her for contagious laugh and smile. I felt privileged to have met her. May your happy memories of her comfort you in this time of loss. Thinking of you. Patty McHugh RN, Research Nurse at DFCI@Faulkner Hospital
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