I'd like to share something that I have told to many over the years.
I have always thought it was cute.

My Dear Aunt was at a dance (perhaps a school dance) and a guy came up to ask her to dance. He introduced himself as Don Juan.
She said Oh and I am Cleopatra!!
Well, he was indeed "Don Whann"....

My dad, Bob Whann ( Don's brother) told me this many years ago.
I am sure Don was always teased about his name.
Can't you just see Megan saying that, then giving one of her big smiles.

Sorry I didn't see her too much over the years, but I have wonderful memories of my aunt & uncle and You kids in the 1950's & 1960's before we moved to Nevada.

Thoughts - Prayers and Much Love to all of Megan's Family.
Susie Whann Campiglia

Having you stop by the house from time to time Megan, was a special treat.  I miss our chats as we drove to and from church.  I miss our occasional cribbage game, even if I rarely won !   You were an inspiration with your upbeat attitude and ready smile.  You made the world a better place.
Hank Jaeckel

I wanted to send all of Aunt Megan’s family big (((HUGS))) from our family to yours.

I’m sure only Aunt Megan and I know this, but she use to email me encouraging emails during our brutal childhood cancer journey with Christian.  I would sit in the hospital with my very sick son and read her loving words she wrote to me.  They always touched my heart because I could feel the compassion and love she had for me.  She told me that Christian was lucky to have me for a mom, ‘nurse’, and advocate, and that she was very proud of me…what a priceless complement that I will always remember and cherish! Aunt Megan loved Susan Velasco too, and she said our family’s journey reminded her of their journey.   She told me it was not right for kids to get cancer.  I agree, and I wish she didn’t have to endure the effects of cancer either.  Aunt Megan would also send me cards and always signed them “Love and Light, Aunt Megan.”  I am going to go back to my old computer and see if I can find some of the emails.  I would love to read them now. 

The reason I am telling you this, is because I want you to know the thoughtful, compassionate, loving, and caring ways she touched my life…and that was only in the past 5 years.  I have great memories of her caring ways and big smile during our childhood.  I know you are well aware of how special she is, but I want you and your family to know we celebrate Aunt Megan’s life with you and are so thankful we were blessed to know her.  Here memory will live on!! 

I also want to thank you for requesting donations for our 501c3 childhood cancer non-profit foundation in lieu of flowers.  Our foundation (Gold Rush Cure Foundation) is working hard to raise awareness and fund cures for childhood cancer.  It truly touches our hearts that your family is encouraging others to join our efforts in memory of Aunt Megan. 

I know how hard it is to lose a parent, but Aunt Megan has left a great legacy of love and compassion for her family and friends to remember her by!!

 (((HUGS))),

Sandy (Gordon) Barker 

Megan and I worked together for a year in Breckenridge in 1998. One day, she asked me whether I would teach her how to ski. I admired her courage to wanting to learn to ski at her age and I was amazed at how quickly she picked it up and enjoyed it. In exchange, she would treat me to a massage every once in a while. I got to know Megan as a wonderful, warm person who enjoyed life to its fullest. I am very saddened at her passing and send my deepest sympathy to her family. Megan will be in my thoughts.

near Green Mountain Resevoir ....nothing could compare to our hiking experiences, near and far. Shared secrets, life, thoughts, hopes, ---always with a smile... from deep within the beautiful spirit.... offering courage, inspiration, and a profound friendship...

looking into the Valley of South end of Summit County before entering into Park County.  The valley we all loved and cherished. Megan was always up to ride anywhere, and I was always game to be the chauffeur... this was our last visit in Breckenridge..as soon after she moved to Tupelo, Ms.. a culture shock to say the least. I was already in Louisiana. How grateful for images to recall the extraordianry memories we shared.

the soft blue eyes of a deep spiritual soul.

Rev Sandy Stephens was retiring and someone had the thought to have a TEA for her. at Father Dyer.. Linen, pearls, hats.. playing 'ladies'  ... how gracious  was this. the 3 of us. Megan, Jo Busse, Chris Vickery.   2005 April

One of many Main Street Breckenridge strolls to lunch or coffee --just to share thoughts and time with a kindred spirit.

What a priviledge to be aked to share in this event in Megan's life. The depth of sharing one spirit to another, was profound. And the setting was incredible, as all of Colorado was inspiring to the soul.     this was in the Northern end of Summit County..

Hey Joe:  Here's the pic where we were all together at the same time.  Donald, Maryalice, Margee, Joe, Jim, Maureen, Andy, mom, dad, Don's wife Judy, and their two sons Matt and Donnie.  1976

 This is one of Megan's foxes...who would appear on her porch in Breckenridge looking for a tidbit.  When she moved to Mississippi, she took pictures of her foxes with her.

 One of Megan's greatest joys during this last part of her journey was the arrival of her sister, Alice Velasco.  The brightness in my mother's eyes and in her face as her sister entered the hospital room was priceless.  The hands in this picture belong to Alice.

Over the past several months, my mother and I had some deep conversations about the end of life, which while we didn't know would be coming so soon, we new it would eventually come.  Mom had fears that stemmed from her childhood religious training.  I mentioned to her that the Peruvians had a beautiful ceremony called a Despacho in which they put all types of symbols into a bundle and offer it to Pachamama (the Mother Earth).  During her 23 days of hospitalization, we decided to use an adaption of the ceremony...we used leaves...such as the one Alice is holding...to contemplate parts of our lives that had hurt us, perhaps people that had wronged us, unfulfilled desires, thought about appreciations for people, etc. There were no set rules.   We would hold a leaf why we thought about our own life or situation and then drop it into a bag.  When things got really painful or scarey, Megan would drop a leaf into the bag.  Family members also participated.

During the exploration, Megan was able to shift away from her fear of death and said this statement, "I am part of the continuation of life and it fills me with wonder."

A note to Alice:  Thank you so much for coming.  We love you.

 Shortly after Megan's death, this cat charged into the room and settled into the blankets that Megan had been using.  It remained in the room the entire morning. 

The difficulties of getting a large family together.  Taken at Joe and Nancy's wedding in 2001, this was the first picture of Megan and all the kids together, in over 20 years.   

We all went to the mall to get Christmass pictures, Joe, Nancy,Brooke, Brianna Whann and grandma Megan.  We were waiting for the pictures to be printed and somehow Brooke wandered away and gets lost in the mall.  We had all of the mall security and local police seaching for her.  What an experiance for all!