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Megan Rabska-LaFlamme Obituary
Beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Megan Joy Rabska-LaFlamme, was unexpectedly called home Friday, September 9, 2011 in Portland, OR.
Megan was born in Santa Maria, California at Sisters' Hospital on January 19, 1960 to Mary Lou and the late Reinhart J Rabska. She was raised in Santa Maria attending Miller Street School, Fesler Junior High School, and Santa Maria High School. In high school, Megan excelled as a student, was active in school government, sang in the Madrigals and was also the school mascot, "Samantha Saint."
While growing up, the family would go to the Rabska Homestead in Meeker, Colorado every summer for vacation. The homestead was 640 acres and 14 miles outside of town. Megan learned to fish and make peanut butter fudge on the wood burning stove. In the evenings, the family would play Yahtzee, of which Megan was one heck of a great player. In fact, she was very competitive.
Megan graduated from Allan Hancock College in 1980 and transferred to her father's alma mater, Fresno State. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration 30 years to the day after her father in June 1982. While in school, she paid part of her expenses by working for a State Farm agent. She had learned her State Farm Insurance skills from the ground up…from office cleaning on Saturday mornings to working in the office helping her father's policyholders.
After graduation, she moved to Hemet and was employed by Automobile Club of Southern California, as a travel agent. It was in Hemet that she purchased a scratcher lotto ticket and won a $50,000 jackpot. With her winnings she bought her first home. After her stint in the travel industry, she decided to go back to school to get her teaching degree. With that decision made, she moved back to Santa Maria and commuted to Cal Poly for the credentialing program.
Megan moved to Bakersfield for her first teaching assignment in Mc Farland. She taught junior high for seven years, then got a teaching job in Santa Maria for two years. Reaching her 40th birthday, Megan decided to launch a new life in Portland, OR. Using her computer skills, she secured a job and packed her little Honda Accord and off she went on her new adventure. Megan worked for awhile as a temporary employee and was hired by Louisiana Pacific Lumber Company in 2003. At the time of her death, Megan was working in the tax and law division of LPL in Portland.
On a pleasure trip in 2004 she met her husband to be, Alan Maurice LaFlamme. After a brief courtship, Alan and Megan were married on May 28, 2005 .
Megan had many passions in life and definitely had an artistic flair. She loved her animals. Some of her hobbies were cooking, reading, card making, and cross stitch. Megan was quick to smile and lit up the room. She made you feel comfortable. She had so many everlasting friendships. And we cannot forget about her computer usage.
Megan is survived by her husband, Alan LaFlamme of Portland, OR, her mother Mary Lou Rabska, sister, Tami Rabska (Dennis VanMeter), nephew, Nathan Williams, all of Santa Maria,CA, neice, Cori Williams Bell (Alan) of San Miguel,CA, stepchildren Alan David LaFlamme; Gary Robert LaFlamme; Mark Harrison LaFlamme, Michelle Yvonne LaFlamme and Vincent Michael Williams, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandchildren.
Two memorial services will be held. The first service will be held in Oregon at Peake Funeral Chapel, 1925 SE Scott, Milwaukie on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Please be sure to visit the website www.peakefh.com to view the video memorial. The second service will be held at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, with Reverend Keith Edwards officiating,1003 East Stowell Road, Santa Maria, on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, in recognition of Megan's love of animals, memorials may be made to Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, 751 S Black Road, Santa Maria, CA 93458 or to your favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Megan Rabska-LaFlamme
Eva Potts
September 9, 2022
She was a spunky little sister
Deborah Russo- Lawson
September 18, 2019
Still can't believe she is gone, and it has been 8 years! I met Megan in high school and we use to cruise broadway with a few other friends together, and had a lot of laughs. We would end the night sometimes at my house where we would swim in my pool laughing the whole time and trying not to make to much noise as it was so late. Not sure how well we kept the noise level down, but the cops were never called at least. LOL! I think I will forever miss her!
Tim G
October 2, 2011
I met Megan on the internet and we enjoyed a long distance friendship. We shared a few laughss and always enjoyed chatting; we even talked on the phone a couple of times. I enjoyed her spirit and sense of humour. I was actually in Portland on September 12th on my way to California. As my girlfriend and I were enjoying a walk after dinner I told her about Megan and we could feel her spirit with us. She was a very special person and I am so happy to have met her.
John McKee
September 30, 2011
This is a total shock. Megan was my 'across the fence' neighbor for a lot a years. A great person, a friend and someone I will not forget. My heart felt sympathies to all of you.
September 22, 2011
Dearest Mary Lou and Tami,
We are very saddened to learn of Megan's death. I don't know if you remember us
Becky Chavarria-Romero
September 22, 2011
Megan was my friend since we were little kids in 2nd grade at Miller St School. The memories of going to her house to play and to her birthday parties are among my happiest childhood memories. I will never forget her. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Debbie Rios
September 22, 2011
To know Megan was to fall inlove with her gust for life and whatever her adventure was at the moment. I'm really sorry that we hadn't kept up in several years; but everytime we saw each other it was like it had only been a couple of days gone by.... I have many fond and funny memories of her. I will miss you, Megan!
Deborah Russo-Lawson
September 18, 2011
I still can not believe she is gone, Megan was not just the life of a party; she was the party! She could light up a room like no one else could. I will miss her very much. My heart goes out to her whole family.
Brent Boardman
September 18, 2011
My "little sister" is gone too soon. If you didn't know her, you missed a light in your life. I miss you.
Cynthia Soré
September 18, 2011
To live in hearts we leave behind
is not to die.
With loving memories of Megan,
Cynthia(Naab)Soré
September 16, 2011
I remember Megan from high school and what I remember most is she was always smiling and talking to everyone. My prayers are with her family. Diana Gomes Reed (Colorado Springs
Jude Ratekin
September 16, 2011
Magical twinkle in your eyes & smile.
Enjoyed every moment friendship.
Going to miss you so very much.
Angelic soul God called home.
Never ever forget you & our friendship.
Just wish there was Facebook in heaven.
Only you could be Samantha Saint.
You touched so many lives.
Remembering you with many memories.
Always the spirit of SMHS Class 1978.
Best Daughter, Sister, Aunt, & Friend.
So glad we reconnected on Facebook.
Kind of heart and spirit of joy.
Amazing, incredible, & caring.
These are just a few thoughts that I have when I remember Megan Joy Rabska. You were such a precious friend. You will be missed beyond words. I Love You Megan. God called an angel home.. Rest in Peace Precious Angel Megan.
Laura (Stephens) Kerr
September 16, 2011
Megan Joy what a perfect name for an Angel, My thoughts are with your family as they find a way to deal with the hole left in their lives by your untimely return to heaven. Your smile and friendship will always be remembered by all the people that you have touched during your short time on this earth. I am grateful for the chance I had to reconnect with you after 30yrs. You are greatly missed My Friend!! My deepest sympathy to the Rabska and LaFlamme families you are in my heart and prayers.
Rosemary Reyes-Miller
September 16, 2011
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. We all will never be the same without Megan in our life. I know that you are with your Dad. Thanks for being there for me late at nights on FB.
Virginia M. Luis ~
September 16, 2011
~ Sending My Deepest Prayers To Our Sweet Megan Rabska LaFlamme, And Her Friends And Family! Megan Had A Smile and Spirit That Warmed Our Hearts. I Will Miss All Our Talks We Shared Together. Thank You Megan! So Hard To Believe You Went Home So Soon. I Know Your Happy In Your Dad's Arms. Give My Dad, Brother, Tim Watts, And All Our Loved Ones A Hug For Me. We All Will Miss You Megan! I Know For Certain That We Never Lose The People We Love, Even To Death. They Continue To Participate In Every Act, Thought And Decision We Make. Their Love Leaves An Indelible Imprint In Our Memories. We Find Comfort In Knowing That Our Lives Have Been Enriched By Having Shared Their Love. ~
I Also Learned Today My Mother Lived Right Across The Street From The RABSKA'S Growing Up And She Remembers Megan And Tami Rabska's Father And Uncle On New Love Street. What A Small World. ~
Tami, My Heart Is Hurting For You. I Too Have Only One Sister And I Am Glad You And Megan Had A Great Sister Relationship And Love For One Another! You Are In My Thoughts And Prayers And I Am Crying With You. We all Loved Megan. She Was Our Sunshine! Her Beautiful Smile Melted Many Hearts Everyday! God Bless You During This Heart Breaking Time. Heavenly Father I Pray That You Give Megan's Family And Friends The Strength, Love, And Comfort Today And In The Days To Come. She Is A Angel In Heaven! ~ God Bless You Megan! ~
Desiree Loporchio
September 16, 2011
Mrs. Rabska and Family, I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Megan's passing. My heart and prayer's go out to you during this time. I went through Elementary-High School with Megan. Many great memories of Camp Fire girls and much more...She was a sweet spirit and so much fun! May God grant you a peace and understanding beyond all earthly powers. In His hands, Desiree (Phillips) Loporchio Acton, CA
Mona Kemp
September 16, 2011
Knew Megan while singing in Madrigals. She would light up the place! Reconected on FB. . .Gone too soon. Prayers are going out to her family.
David & Elyse Silva
September 16, 2011
Tami and Family; Please remember that in thia saddness in time that you are in our thought and prayers always... Try to remember the good times that you both had togeather and if we can do anything for you please call. Always David and Elyse Silva
Debbie Dempsey-Carroll
September 15, 2011
I will never forget those twinkling eyes and that big smile! She had the perfect middle name. Megan has always been a part of the Dempsey
family, she was the other little sister I never had, it is a big hole left in our family too. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I love you guys.
eva thomas potts
September 15, 2011
Tami and family so sorry about Megan. She will be missed. You will always have her in your thoughts God bless
Gloria Tiboni
September 15, 2011
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Betty Whitten
September 15, 2011
Mary Lou, Tami, Alan and other family members: I was shocked to read of your loss in our local SM Times and Kathy and I extend our very deepest sympathies to you. We know through faith that there is purpose in all things but at times like these we have to wonder at that purpose. Depending on our health issues, Kathy and I are hoping to join in the memorial service here locally and I will send a check to the Humane Society in Megan's memory.. May God send a special angel to each of you who loved her so much to provide strenth and comfort in the coming difficult days. Prayers and Blessings, Betty and Kathy
Patti (Stephens) Turner
September 15, 2011
To the family of Megan , her wonderful spirit will surely leave the world a little bit quieter and less bright . Tami , I feel your pain . If there is anything I can do , please contact me .
Doug & Jeannie Hinchliff
September 15, 2011
So sorry to hear of your lose. Our thoughts are with you .
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