Megan Peterkin

Beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt, friend, and sitter extraordinaire Megan Ellis Peterkin left us at the age of 38 on May 2, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington.

Born on November 6, 1986, in Vallejo, California, to Jim and Wendy (Ellis) Peterkin, Megan moved with her family to Springfield, Ohio, before they settled in Cincinnati. She graduated in 2005 from Mariemont High School, where she was active in volleyball, theater, band and drumline, Latin club, and academic team-a variety of extracurriculars that reflected such a multifaceted young woman.

Megan initially set her sights on a career in pharmacy. However, her academic journey took a meaningful turn when she discovered her true calling in the intersection of science and society. In 2013, she earned from Butler University her Bachelor of Science degree in Science, Technology, and Society-a field that perfectly matched her analytical mind and deep curiosity about the world.

Megan found her professional home at Managed Health Care Associates, Inc., where she began her career as an Account Analyst in the Net-Rx division after she had moved to the Portland, Oregon, area in 2015. While her unique love of Excel was well-known among family and friends, it was at MHA she uncovered a natural gift for data analysis-an aptitude that blossomed into a deep passion for product analytics. Rising to the role of Product Analyst, Megan quickly became recognized not only for her technical acumen and data storytelling skills, but also for her boundless support of her colleagues.

Megan's warmth also radiated brightly outside of work. She was deeply loved by those around her-for her generosity, her grace, her humor, and the way she made everyone feel seen and valued. She was a confidante, a safe harbor for many. She was born to be a protector, mentor, and role model, enthusiastically supporting her younger sister, her cousins, and numerous bonus siblings from found family over the years. Their achievements were her achievements; their setbacks her setbacks; their joy her joy.

Megan had a wide array of interests that reflected her vibrant personality. She adored dogs, frequently volunteering to pet sit for family and friends, and she held close the memory of Oreo and Sandy, the cherished pets from her childhood whom she never stopped missing. Her eyes would widen with enthusiasm when she was about to show you the latest video of her beloved nephew or when she talked about her newest romantasy find. An avid reader, often staying up until the early hours of the morning to finish a book, Megan had an insatiable love for stories, and was especially drawn to fandoms like Buffy, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Marvel, her deep knowledge of which she applied during regular trivia nights. She enjoyed bingeing British mystery shows, playing rec volleyball, crafting thoughtful gifts, experimenting in the kitchen with her latest Trader Joe's haul, and simply spending time with those she loved most.

Family meant everything to Megan. She loved researching her ancestry to learn about her family tree. She prioritized attending cousins' weddings and finding time for a quick meal or sleepover if she was traveling to a city where a relative lived. She was the link to her large family that spans countries and states, coasts and shorelines.

Megan had the biggest heart, the kind that made space for everyone around her, no matter what was going on in her own life. Her smile lit up rooms; her intelligence inspired those who knew her; and her compassion left an indelible mark on countless lives. Megan is lovingly remembered by her parents Wendy and Jim, younger sister Caitlin (Peterkin) and brother-in-law Calvin Carter, and nephew Sylas. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were brightened by her presence. She now joins her maternal grandparents, Jim and Jo (Canzonetti) Ellis, and paternal grandmother Marisa (Plimmer) Peterkin in peace.

Celebrations of life will be held in Oregon City, Oregon, on May 12 and in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 14. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Megan's memory to PBS, NPR, or your local library.