Megan Elizabeth Casey

Casey Megan Elizabeth Casey, age 19, of Powell, died December 29, 2016, in an aviation accident off the shores of Lake Erie. Megan was with her Dad and will be with him always. She was an exceptional young woman strong, gentle, beautiful, kind, determined, no-nonsense, funny, and smart who was wise beyond her years. Meg knew who she was, and she lived her entire life as an authentic person in the truest sense. Born December 3, 1997, in Cleveland, OH, Megan was a Summa Cum Laude 2016 graduate of Olentangy Liberty High School, where she was a member of the National Honors Society. She was thrilled to begin her college career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a direct-admit nursing student, in their highly competitive program. Megan pledged Delta Gamma sorority Omega Chapter and was a member of the American Nurses Association Club. As her Grammie said, "Megan had the world by the tail." Megan always had a love for working with children. In high school she worked at Children's Hospital through a mentorship program and was drawn to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She was committed and passionate about pursuing a career in nursing. As a daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, friend, babysitter, mentor, teammate, and student, Megan was deeply loved by all who were fortunate enough to know her. A member of Liberty Presbyterian Church, she lived her faith and commitment to serving others during four volunteer mission trips where she built homes and churches for those in need. After her last trip Meg wrote, "My heart is so full after having the opportunity to serve the people of Erie all while growing in my faith and worshiping alongside some of my closest friends and my beautiful sister." Megan was an athlete whose presence elevated the level of every team she joined. She rowed competitively for the Arch City Rowing Club. Her grit and determination, along with her infectious laugh and unbounded spirit made her a leader and a fierce competitor. She inspired others around her to work harder, and she never gave up. Meg also loved watching her brother at his college football games and her sister at her horse shows. As a spectator her enthusiasm was contagious, and she became a Wisconsin fan immediately, easily spotted with her brilliant smile and signature Badger overalls. Meg's love for her older brother and younger sister was abundant. Her special bond with her Dad was so clear to anyone who watched them run together, hunt together, complete home improvement projects together, or sit in quiet conversation. As the quintessential two peas in a pod, they understood and appreciated each other at the deepest level. As a daughter and friend, Megan brought unbounded joy to her Mom. They loved working out together, going to yoga, cooking healthy meals, shopping, and texting throughout each day. Her gentle soul and kind spirit will live on in the hearts of all those she touched. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 15, at Liberty Presbyterian Church, 7080 Olentangy River Road, Delaware, OH 43015. There will be a reception immediately following at Wedgewood Country Club, 9600 Wedgewood Blvd, in Powell, OH. Preceded in death by grandparents Raymond Richard "Pat" Casey and James Patrick Mulroy. Survived by mother, Sharon Mulroy Casey; brother, Matthew Patrick Casey, sister, Molly Josephine Casey; grandparents, Clara Patrick Casey and Mary Ann Mulroy; aunts and uncles, Michael Mulroy (Deborah), Patrick Casey (Judith), Natalie Casey, Michelle Schonhardt (Donald), Kevin Casey (Lisa), Eric Casey (Maryann); cousins, Ryan, Jack, and Thomas Mulroy, Casey, James, Stacy and Samantha Schonhardt, Moira and Aidan Casey, Eli, Mia, and Ean Casey. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to offer condolences and share a memory. The Casey family greatly appreciates the dedicated efforts of the rescue and recovery teams in Cleveland, and we are especially thankful for the outpouring of support, thoughts, and prayers from family, friends, and the community. Our heartfelt condolences are also extended to the entire Fleming and Armeni families. In memory of Megan, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Wisconsin Foundation - Megan E. Casey Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund #132640014 and sent to University of Wisconsin Foundation, U.S. Bank Lockbox, Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807, www.supportuw.org/giveto/caseymemorial. This Fund will support scholarships for students pursuing careers in nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing.