GEGGEL, Amelia Sarah Age 32, of Cambridge, formerly of Dover, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. She was the cherished wife of Eric Mattison, the loving daughter of Robert & Karen (Brown) Geggel, the inspiring older sister of Ezra Geggel & his wife Michal Miller, the treasured granddaughter of Elizabeth Geggel & her late husband Carl, and the late Pierce & Norrine Brown, and a hero to her aunts and uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. Amelia overcame challenges throughout her life. She was born with a rare ear condition and endured multiple surgeries and ensuing complications. Despite wearing hearing aids, she was always an excellent student, graduating from the Noble & Greenough School, Wesleyan University, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Innately knowing how to meet life's challenges, she became an advocate for environmental causes and social justice. Her authenticity, spirit, and sense of responsibility to the larger world made her a natural leader and a role model to her family and friends.

Diagnosed with incurable sarcoma six years ago, Amelia knew she had only a short time to fill this world with her energy. Despite her constant chemotherapy schedule, Amelia finished her master's degree and worked full time for an environmental consulting firm. She met her perfect match just prior to her diagnosis; three years later they married on the coast of Maine. Eric stood by her throughout her treatments, providing humor and support in equal measure. She traveled and hiked across five continents - to New Zealand, Patagonia, Chile, England, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Cyprus, Brazil, the Rockies, and throughout New England. Her personality, dry sense of humor, creativity, and genuine, remarkable strength will serve as an inspiration to all those fortunate to have known her and her story. Services will take place at Temple Aliyah, 1664 Central Avenue, Needham on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 1:30 p.m., with burial at Beit Olam East, 60 Old Sudbury Road, Wayland. Following burial, memorial observance will be at the home of Robert & Karen Geggel until 8 p.m. and continuing Monday, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to First Descents, which provides outdoor adventures for young adults with cancer (www.firstdescents.org) or a foundation to be established by the family to honor the causes Amelia cared deeply about.

Levine Chapels, Brookline

(617) 277-8300

www.levinechapel.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Apr. 28 to May 1, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for AMELIA GEGGEL

18 Entries

Beth Crastnopol

July 27, 2017

Karen, I was so moved and sorry to hear Amelia's story today on NPR. I remember her as a special little girl from Temple Aliyah. May you be comforted by many wonderful memories. Her story describes an incredible young lady.
-Beth Pullman

July 24, 2016

We were so sorry to hear of Amelia's passing. She was a lovely person even when she was young at CRS. Our deepest sympathy.
Liz Woods, and Becky, Michael and Steven Lis

Mary Liscombe

May 13, 2016

The Liscombe family is saddened to learn of Amelia's passing. Chrissy Liscombe was a classmate and friend of Amelia back in their early years at CRS. Chrissy was delighted to run into Amelia in Boston a couple of years ago. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Mary and Gene Liscombe

Lucy Chester

May 2, 2016

Dear Eric and family,

I am so sorry to hear about this tragic loss! My condolences - I am holding the good thought for all of you at this difficult time.

All warm wishes,
Lucy

Rim Meirowitz

May 2, 2016

Her powerfully well-lived life brought light to my day today. It doesn't lessen the loss and pain of everyone who wished she were still her. But her memory is truly a blessing. Rabbi Rim Meirowitz Founding headmaster of The Rashi School

Sylvia and Laurie Tolman

May 1, 2016

Our hearts go out to Amelia's family as well as the Mattisons. We didn't know her directly but followed her battle through the Mattisons. We've been great fans of Eric through the years and admire his character through this ordeal along with his parents' steadfast support.
Love,
Sylvia and Laurie Tolman

ann raider

May 1, 2016

We are so sorry to hear about Amanda............we remember her fondly at CRS and Nobiles, A lovely young lady with lots of grace and courage.

The Raider family

The beautifully sweet wedding of Amelia and Eric

Bill Phillips

April 30, 2016

Thank you for posting this - I am another Wesleyan Sign Housemate of Amelia's. Amelia was one of my favorite people - always upbeat, funny, down to earth. I'm glad that she got to do so many of the things she wanted to do - I guess I'll forgive her for choosing to go to Harvard over Berkeley and I am inspired by her travels!! Best wishes and all my love to Amelia and her family.

April 30, 2016

Dear Eric and family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of you wife. May the fond memories of Amelia be with you always.

With sympathy, Tina Pacheco

Leontina Pacheco

April 30, 2016

Dear Eric and Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your wife. May fond memories of Amelia be with you always.

With sympathy,

Tina Pacheco (your mother friends)

Anne Puchkoff

April 29, 2016

I am so very sorry to learn about this tragic loss.
My her memory be a blessing.
Anne Puchkoff
(Rashi School)

Julia McMillan

April 29, 2016

I was so sorry to hear about this. Amelia and I lived together in Sign Language House my second year at Wes. There was construction going on in the parking lot behind us all year, and we both used vibrating alarm clocks, and were always joking and commiserating about being woken up at the crack of dawn by construction vibrations that we mistook for our alarms. She was such a pleasure to live with, I am so sad to know that she is gone.

Kathleen Lestition

April 29, 2016

Eric, Ed, Marcia, and Amelia's family,
I didn't know Amelia. She sounds like a most extraordinary person and, Eric, it seems that you shared a very special bond. My deepest condolences.

Darlene

April 29, 2016

My deepest condolences to your family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you, it is never easy to lose a loved one who is so dear to your heart, May you draw comfort from God, who will sustain you and give you peace .2 Corn 1:3,4

Yingzi Yang

April 29, 2016

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Jayne Gershkowitz

April 28, 2016

Karen, Rob, Ezra and family,
Our hearts are heavy with the very sad news of Amelia's passing. We fondly remember so many fun times when our children were little and we enjoyed being together and sharing the challenges and joys of parenthood. Please know that our thoughts are with you, although we cannot be.
With our deepest sympathy and love,
The Gershkowitz Family
Jayne, Bruce, Neala and Levi

April 27, 2016

To Marcia and Ed and the whole family- we're so VERY sorry to hear the sad sad news of the loss of this beautiful young woman and send our deepest condolences to you all.
Arlyn and Bill

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