Meghan Cristin O’Brien, 32 of Huntley died peacefully surrounded by her family, March 1, 2015 at Journeycare Hospice in Barrington after her 2 ½ year battle with non-smoker lung cancer.
Visitation will be on Saturday March 7, 2015 from 11:00 to 3:30pm with a service at 3:30pm all at DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral Home -10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. The family request that everyone wear green or bright colors. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Meghan O’Brien Memorial Fund at the University of Chicago Medicine c/o University of Chicago Gift and Record Services Meghan O’Brien Memorial, 5235 S. Harper Court, Chicago, Illinois 60615 http://supportucmc.uhchicago.edu
Or Andrea Lynn Cancer Fund- 118 Faringdon, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 http://www.andrealynn.org/
Meghan was born April 19, 1982 in Winfield, Illinois the daughter of Kenneth and Judith (Plautz) O’Brien. She graduated from Marengo Community High School in 2000. Meghan attended M.C.C. for 2 years where she was a member of the tennis team. Following M.C.C. she attended SIU Carbondale where she earned her B.A. in Speech and Communication, graduating in 2004, and went on to earn her Masters of Sports Management in 2006 and later a Masters of Education. Meghan worked for Southern Illinois Minors baseball team as the box office manager, she student taught at SIU as Teachers Assistant and teacher. Later she moved to Tennessee to work for the Jackson Generals Minor League Baseball team as the merchandise manager. She moved back to Huntley and worked as a teacher’s aide for special education at New Trier. In August 2012 Meghan became a teacher at Kenwood Academy in Hyde Park. On September 26, 2012 Meghan was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer caused by ALK gene mutation. During the next 2 ½ years, Meghan became an advocate and speaker regarding her disease. She had a strong desire to educate and reduce the stigma associated with lung cancer.
Meghan was a beautiful free spirit who loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, tennis and much more. She was very proud of her Irish heritage and traveled to Ireland. In her spare time, Meghan enjoyed using her artistic abilities, especially making jewelry. One of her favorite things to do was spending time with family, nieces, nephews and friends. Meghan will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived and love by her parents, Ken and Judy O’Brien, her brother, Ken (Andrea) O’Brien, her sister, Katie (Scott) Benson, by her nieces and nephews, Aiden, Brady, Kailey, Aubrey, Jack and Maddie. She is also survived by her grandpa Chuck Plautz and by many aunts, uncles and cousins and many close friends and her beloved dog, Maxi May. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Kenneth (“Boompa”) and Elaine O’Brien and by her maternal grandmother, Dolores Plautz.
Meghan’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the following: Dr. Ravi Salgia, Livia Szeto, Dr. Monica Malec all of the University of Chicago and to Journeycare of Barrington and the Andrea Lynn Cancer Fund.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on-line condolences may be directed to www.defiorejorgesen.com
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I'm so sorry for your loss of Meghan. I know that her battle with cancer was a long and courageous one and now she has found peace. My heart felt sympathy goes out to all who loved and cherished her. I will keep you in my prayers.
My prayers to the family. Meghan rest in peace angel you were so brave God bless you Amazing all you did in your life which was cut too short just amazing
Sorry for your loss. I only Meghan for a short time and she was an Awesome person and she is going to be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Meghan for a short period during grad school and always looked up to her. She was always a kind and warm hearted person. I will keep her and her family in my prayers.
Judy, I am sorry sorry for this terrible loss that you and your family are having to endure. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
I lived with Meghan in Galway during her time in Ireland. She was a great housemate and friend! We lost touch but reconnected on Facebook years later. Her battle with this disease over the last 3 years has been both heartbreaking and inspirational to follow. Rest in peace Meghan; you fought hard, I'm sure your family are so proud of you xxx
Ken, Judy and family. We have many fond memories of Meghan during her visit to Galway, Ireland and were so saddened to hear of your great loss and of her battle with cancer which she fought so courageously. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace Meghan. xxx
I do not know you or your family but I just wanted you to know how much your daughter touched so many lives during her short time on earth. I read her story in the Tribune in 2013 and was touched by her courage and her compassion. I was saddened to hear of her passing. Prayers for your family through this very difficult time.