Lara Meiojas

1976 - 2022

February 10, 1976 - December 14, 2022 Lara Dawn Meiojas, 46, of Los Angeles CA, passed into peace at her family's ranch in Healdsburg CA on December 14, 2022, in the arms of her husband, Patrick, after a 6-month battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She orchestrated her last months to include visits with family and friends, renewing relationships with love and laughter until her final days.

Lara spent her early school days in Santa Monica and moved with her mother to Vancouver, WA in 1989. She often visited her lifelong friends in Vancouver, and they gave her soothing and devoted company, along with her family, in her last months.

Lara graduated with honors from UCLA with a degree in Sociology. She made many friends in her work life and traveled as much as possible, eventually working remotely, which enabled her to be with Patrick in Georgia. She loved riding her motorcycle, especially with Patrick, as well as cooking, which she did well, hiking, and visiting with friends and family.

Lara was passionate about her trauma-informed yoga-teacher training and planned for a life of service to others. Her meditation and mindfulness practice ultimately empowered her to accept the imminent end of life with grace.

Lara found the love of her life in Patrick Higingbotham, of Flowery Branch, GA. To be in the presence of their bond was a privilege, and Lara's family is forever grateful for Patrick's tender care, constant support, and eternal affection through her life's end and for his welcoming spirit to her family and friends. Lara was a loyal friend, a cherished family member, and is remembered for her empathy, kindness, and ability to understand others and instantly include everyone with her welcoming spirit. To know her was to love her.

In addition to her husband, Lara leaves her mother and step-father Carol and Kerry, father John, and siblings David, Allison (as well as their father Rob, who adored Lara), and Alex as well as their respective spouses, partners, and children. She was predeceased by her brother Jason. Additionally, she leaves a very large extended group of relatives, in-laws, and friends-including her earliest childhood friends Kokinda and Valeska whose families were a second family for Lara-who supported us during her illness and continue to grieve with us. We are honored to have witnessed the breadth of community she created.

Said Lara to her friends, "Look for the Magic!"

Should you want to support an organization that was meaningful to Lara, please consider a donation to Yoga Farm Ithaca at yogafarm.us.