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Meaghan Elizabeth Burns

1995 - 2019

Meaghan Elizabeth Burns obituary, 1995-2019, South Deerfield, MA

BORN

1995

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Wrisley Funeral Home

90 Sugarloaf Street

South Deerfield, Massachusetts

Meaghan Burns Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Meaghan Elizabeth Burns, age 23, in Portsmouth Virginia on May 4, 2019. Meaghan was the innocent victim of senseless gun violence while trying to help a friend. Meggy was a free spirit, a fierce and loyal friend and loving daughter and sister. She will be missed by many and loved forever.

Meaghan was born August 25, 1995 in Springfield, MA. She moved with her family to South Deerfield in 2004 and attended Deerfield Elementary and was a graduate of Frontier Regional High School.

Meaghan enlisted in the US Navy in 2015, serving as a Hospital Corpsman in Naples, Italy and most recently at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in Virginia. She was a proud sailor and was planning to further her career in healthcare at the end of her enlistment.

Meaghan is survived by her parents Carolyn and Matthew as well as younger sister Kyleigh Rose of South Deerfield. Her treasured Aunt Cyndy Smith and Grammie Ellie in Cazenovia, NY. Aunt Liz, Uncle Ken and her cousins in NY state. The extended Burns family mourns in Connecticut, loving aunts, uncles and cousins. She leaves many friends from this area and her Navy family.

Meggy loved the hills and rivers of Western Mass but she got some sand stuck in her toes when she was a baby on Nantucket Island and was a beach girl at heart. She loved Cape Cod, Southern California , all things Boston and her years traveling around Italy and all of Europe.

Meaghan will be profoundly missed by her family who were so fortunate to have known the love of this beautiful, witty, warm and caring young lady. You will be forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

The family greatly appreciates the outpouring of support from family and friends. There will be no formal calling hours. A celebration of Meggy's life will be held later this spring.

"She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She carried the weight of the universe on her shoulders and turned it to angel wings"

Expressions of sympathy are available at: www.wrisleyfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Recorder on May 7, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Meaghan Burns

Not sure what to say?





Christina Lively

May 2, 2025

Never Forgotten

Marsha Bressem

May 1, 2022

Carolyn and all Meaghan's family, Sending you love. Marsha Bressem

May 3, 2021

I still think of Meaghan...her quiet and thoughtful presence in my classroom. I do miss her and am sending my thoughts to her family. Meaghan will always be with us here at Frontier.
Laura Moore
Government teacher at FRHS.

William Poeta

May 1, 2020

To the Burns Family:
On this somber occasion, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Irene Woodard

May 28, 2019

Remembering Meaghan's smile, love of reading and sparkle of adventure in her eyes in her early years at Deerfield Elem. It was a pleasure and honor to have her in my class. I thank her for her service and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love and hugs.

Kevin Koennecke

May 28, 2019

I wish there was something I could say that would help you and your family during these heart broken times just know she is in a warm and welcoming place and in time you will be with her again
Your friend always
Kevin

Brown Naik

May 27, 2019

May Jesus our Lord comfort you all in this time massive grief, sorrow and loss. May the God of all comfort pour upon you all His peace and comfort. May He wipe away all your tears.

May 16, 2019

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Meaghan was an amazing shipmate, corpsman, and friend. Her bright light that she brought into the hospital will never burn out. She will be missed dearly. Rest peacfully angel we have the watch.

Dan Smith

May 16, 2019

Dear Matt and family,
What a tragedy for your family and all that knew Meaghan. Wishing you some peace.

Kim Scammon

May 15, 2019

Sarah and I are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Over the past week we have had many conversations about Meaghan. When she called to tell me the first she said was...Meaghan taught me how to be cool. Meaghan was a great friend to Sarah and I will always hold on to that and keep her in a special place in my heart.

Jeannette Wolfe and David Gerwe

May 15, 2019

Dear Matt and Carolyn - our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of the Burns family following this senseless tragedy. Please accept our most sincere condolences, and may her memory be a blessing to us all.

May 15, 2019

I am deeply sorry for your loss she was a great person and brought light to all our hearts

Rachel Jackson

May 15, 2019

Matt, Carolyn, Kyleigh and family,
With deepest sympathy for the loss of beautiful Meaghan. She will always be in our hearts.
With deepest love and admiration as we honor her memory and fearless spirit.

Chuck Ford

May 15, 2019

I'm so sorry for your loss, RIP Sailor...

Eric Soles

May 15, 2019

Meaghan was killed trying to help my cousin, and for that we will cherish her & love her and pray for her, having never met her. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your tremendous loss, or how grateful we will always be for her sacrifice. The hardest part for me, in all of this, is how much the world needed more Meaghans and Shiannes, and instead we went backwards. There can be no greater love than this, that one should lay down their life for another.

The Lavoie Family

May 14, 2019

With heartfelt condolences to this beautiful young ladies family and friends . Just threw reading it was apparent She was a shining star to whom ever was lucky enough to have known her .
May her memories lift you all in the days ahead .
So sorry for your loss and Thank you for having a daughter who proudly served our country.
♥♥♥♥♥

Stephen Williams

May 14, 2019

I am so sorry for the lose of your loved one and a nation's warrior. I have been a life long resident of Western Mass and have been in the Air Force since 2007, stationed at Westover ARB in Chicopee. I salute this young, brave hero. God bless and rest easy.

Ann Clifford

May 14, 2019

Carolyn & Matt,

Today I was told the news that your beautiful daughter had been taken. The memory of her was so fresh in my mind. Matt had introduced her to me. I was able to describe her very well. Just meeting her one time but, her energy was contagious! I am so sorry for your loss.
LOVE,
YOUR FAMILY, Cousin ANN Clifford

Phyllis Jordan

May 14, 2019

Dear Carolyn,
My heart aches for you and your family. I know my words will bring little comfort, but know that you are all in my prayers that your sorrow will eventually bring healing as you cherish your loving memories. With deepest sympathy, Phyllis Jordan

Jim Marcucci

May 14, 2019

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. fair winds and following seas . Rest easy shipmate we have the watch

May 14, 2019

Matt, Carolyn, and Kayleigh, Our deepest sympathies go out to all of you, and may God comfort you during this difficulty time.
-The Bak Family, Sunderland

Christina :Lively

May 14, 2019

Matt, Carolyn, and Kyleigh
So very very sorry

Cheryl & Vince Taylor

May 14, 2019

Dear Mr. and Ms. Burns, Kyleigh, Ellie, Cyndy and the Burns family,
There are no words to express the loss you must feel. You have our deepest sympathies and our sincere prayers that you will find some solace in your loving memories of Meaghan. God bless you all.

Matthew

May 13, 2019

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Heidi Scott

May 13, 2019

Thoughts and prayers to all, Thank you for your service, RIP ..

Mike and Ginette Paciorek

May 13, 2019

We salute you Meaghan and thank you for your service. Our prayers go out to you and your family at these difficult times! God Bless You!

Donna Vanasse

May 13, 2019

Matt, there are no words that can express how very sorry I am. Prayers for you and your family at this most difficult time

David Wright

May 13, 2019

I was a USN Corpsman in the 80s and the senseless, needless loss of life of my fellow Corpsman crushes me. The ladies were so young is what compounds the tragedy in my heart. Fair Winds and Following Seas Doc Burns, we have the watch.

Teddy Haussler

May 12, 2019

Matt, Just learned about this horrible news this morning at Assumption Church in our old hometown, Ansonia. On behalf of my family, we all express our condolences to you and yours. What a senseless tragedy. Hope you can find the strength to get through this.

Carla Bernier

May 12, 2019

Thinking of you and your family, every day! Sending healing thoughts!

Patricia Colangelo

May 10, 2019

Meaghan, you are my best friend in this whole world... more like a sister. I love you more than words can even express. Carolyn, Matt, and Kyleigh, all of my love goes out to you. I have been beyond blessed to have had so many beautiful, irreplaceable memories with Megs. My deepest condolences... I love you all!

Bianca Noe LaRose

May 10, 2019

Dear Carolyn, My heart is deeply saddened by this terrible fate. May God give you and your family strength to find peace in this moment. My condolences.

May 10, 2019

Deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. Our prayers are with you. The Oborne family.

William Poeta

May 9, 2019

I am at a loss for words. To lose a child is something you can't imagine. My heartfelt condolences to the families of Meaghan. May the Lord comfort you during this time.

Nancy Jones

May 9, 2019

Carolyn and Matt, Have no words to express my sorrow for all of you, especially Meaghan, prayers for God to help you through this incredible sadness. Thinking of all of you, With love.

Lyla Soles

May 9, 2019

My heart is broken! I wish I had met Meaghan I know I would have loved her! I am Shianne's grandma and I know your pain. There are no words! I wanted to reach out and give you my deepest condolences!

Diane Donatello

May 9, 2019

Matt and Carolyn, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Meggie is with you in every sunbeam and raindrop,gentle breeze and flowing water,soaring birds flying through the freedom of the sky. All Our Love to You.

Pat Satta

May 9, 2019

Rita and I send our condlences. Our heart goes out the Bruns family.

May 8, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Michael Vincour

May 8, 2019

You are a wonderful caring living special woman you will be horribly missed Godspeed sweet Angel prayers to all your family and friends who love and miss you

Alison Greene

May 8, 2019

Carolyn, I'm more sorry than words can say. My deepest condolences.

Laura Moore

May 8, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Meaghan was a student of mine at Frontier and I remember her as a sweet, kind soul. Please know that you are all in my thoughts. I am so, so, sorry...

Brittani Wright

May 8, 2019

To my fellow shipmate, corpsman, and friend, we are deeply saddened and hurt by your loss. We lost one of our family members from the immunization clinic. We love you, we miss you and will never forget your beautiful spirit. Fair winds and flowing seas shipmate, we have the watch. ❤

May 8, 2019

We tried so sorry to hear of this tragedy. May your memories, God, family and friends sustain you.

May 8, 2019

Dear Carolyn and family, I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Sending you love and holding you in my heart. Marsha Bressem, West Hatfield, MA

Nancy Hoinsky

May 8, 2019

Chris and Nancy Hoinsky are just beyond horrified! No words can express our feelings of grief, but know your family is with you.

HM1 Sam Fuller

May 8, 2019

Fair winds and following seas, shipmate.

May 8, 2019

Mr. & Mrs. Burns and familiy of Meaghan,
My family is part of the Navy family which includes Shianne Soles. Our grandson and Shianne met and became friends in boot camp and continued until this tragedy. I wanted to reach out to let you know that we pray and weep for your family too - two beautiful young women with promising futures gone too soon! My deepest sympathy! Hugs and Prayers!

Robyn Smith, Navy Grandmother of a fellow corpsman

Tina Hopper

May 8, 2019

Our deepest condolences to your family . May God embrace you all and lift you up during this time . Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Navy Family

Tim Niejadlik

May 8, 2019

We are truly sorry for your loss, and are here to help honor her memory when you are ready. Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans' Services

Lisa Rouillard

May 8, 2019

Carolyn and family,
I am so incredibly sorry to hear of Meaghan's passing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Denise Doehring

May 8, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss!
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you and your family.
I will remember you in prayer.
Signed a fellow navy mom.

Kim Buck

May 8, 2019

Carolyn, Matt, Kyleigh, Cyndy, Grammie Ellie & family - I cannot express in words how truly sorry I am of your loss. Meggy was a right shining light that was taken far too soon.
You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Joy Menard

May 8, 2019

Sending prayers from another Massachusetts Navy family. Fair winds and following seas

Jill Griffin

May 8, 2019

So very sorry for your loss, Matt.

May 8, 2019

My sincerest condolences to your family and friends on this tragedy. May God grant you strength during this difficult time. --- a Four Rivers parent

Tammy Stuckey

May 8, 2019

Cyndy & Your Family - I am so sorry to hear about Meaghan. Cyndy always spoke highly of her niece & of Meaghan's accomplishments in life. Thoughts & prayers to all of you during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss!

Michelle Penza

May 8, 2019

Carolyn and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of this tragic loss of your beautiful family member. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Josh Castillo

May 8, 2019

I may not have known you, but you are a Sailor, that makes you my sister. I may not have known you, but you are a Corpsman, which makes you a hero. Your watch is not over just in a different place in heaven now, but down here you can rest we have the watch now. Thank you for the service you gave your country and may your family find peace one day. You are never forgotten.

From a fellow Sailor.

Robin Howe

May 8, 2019

Carolyn I'm so so sorry for your tragic loss you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

May 7, 2019

Thank you for your service shipmate, fair winds and following seas. Rest easy your watch has ended. May god grant your family peace and comfort during this difficult time. Semper fortis

Jody Skalski

May 7, 2019

Dear Carolyn, my heart is breaking for your tragedy. You and your family are in my heart. I am so, so sorry for your loss.

May 7, 2019

So sorry to hear your life was taken so suddenly ! May you rest in peace ! Fair winds & following seas !

May 7, 2019

Carolyn and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time.
Cindy Nowak

Rebecca and Glen (Grace's Parents) Fernandes

May 7, 2019

May you know and feel the love and support of your family and friends who are mourning with you.
We are so very sorry for your loss.

Maureen Morgan

May 7, 2019

Carolyn, Matt, Kyleigh and family. I am so sorry to learn of Meaghan's passing. I am a friend of Carolyn's from Paul Smith's College. My heart breaks for your family. I wish you peace and strength and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

May 7, 2019

My condolences to the family. May God grant you strength during this difficult time.

Kristen Jones

May 7, 2019

I'm so very sorry for your loss, Matt and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

May 7, 2019

Fair winds and following seas R.I.P

May 7, 2019

Meaghan, you were a bright light in this undeserving world. Shine on.
Love you always and forever.

May 7, 2019

On Behalf of Honor and Remember Massachusetts chapter we send our deepest condolences

May 7, 2019

Thank you For Your Service, Shipmate. Fair Winds and Following Seas. We have the watch on your behalf. May God Bless You and bring comfort to your family.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

May 7, 2019

I didn't know Meaghan but I was a hospital corpsman once and we took an oath for our shipmates. Meaghan kept that oath. What a brave beautiful girl she was and no doubt she will be richly rewarded when greeted in heaven. Prayers for her earthly family who will miss her. Fair winds and following seas shipmate.

Don Clifford

May 7, 2019

Matt & Carolyn,

Sister Pat called me Sunday night to relay the horrible news of Meaghan's passing. There really are no words to relieve what you are going through but i wanted to let you know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as well as those of many others.

Cousin Don, Pat and family

Paul Crowley

May 7, 2019

The entire Crowley family was deeply saddened when we received the news of Meaghans death. We cannot even begin to imagine the grief and sense of loss you must be feeling . We enjoyed her visits by way of face time when Julie would call home. She was truly a beautiful young lady . Please accept our sincere condolences.

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Funeral services provided by:

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90 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, MA 01373

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