Megan Stoddard

MEGAN STODDARD Click here to view the Graveside Service Click here to view a video tribute to Megan's life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Megan Cecelia Stoddard, 13, of Idaho Falls, passed away November 9, 2008, of complications from a brain tumor. She slipped away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She was born August 23, 1995, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Shannon Paul Stoddard and Dana Lynn Kirby Stoddard. At the age of two and a half she was diagnosed with a pylocyctic astrocytoma. Megan endured more than ten years of chemotherapy, brain surgery, and painful medical procedures. Through it all she never lost her sense of humor, compassion for others, and love of life. Megan lived in Idaho Falls all her life and was in the 6th Grade at Linden Park Elementary School. Megan enjoyed reading princess stories and watching cartoons and silly movies. She collected and sorted stickers and Barbie dolls. Megan loved looking for ducks on the river and planes at the airport. Above all she loved cats, especially orange tabbies and most of all, the family tabby, Milo. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To all of us who knew her, Megan was very inspirational. Her courage helped us all remember to live life to the fullest, and to give more than to receive. We ask all those who remember and love Megan to make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, P. O. Box 453, Boise, ID 83701-0453. Survivors include: Parents: Shannon & Dana Stoddard, Idaho Falls, ID Brother: Alex Stoddard, Idaho Falls, ID Grandparents, Lynn & Martha Kirby, Idaho Falls, ID and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Orrin & Cecelia Stoddard, great grandparents, Wesley and Norma Kirby, and Ray & Genieve Anderson. Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2008, at the Lincoln Cemetery, corner of Hitt & Lincoln Roads, with Bishop Mark Paulsen of the Idaho Falls 11th Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge. ------------------------------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Terri Liggett xmanamani1@att.net Dear Shannon, Dana, and Alex: We are heartbroken for your loss of dear Megan. We prayed that she would get to heaven swiftly and safely. We know that the coming days will be very difficult. Our prayers, and mostly our love are with you. We didn't know about Megan's love for cats. What a sweet angel. Thinking of you every minute and wish we could hug your grief away. We love you. One day in the future, you will be able to see and feel the beauty in this world again. Terri, Amani, Xavier, and Simone Angela Chamberlain Megan was a glowing member of the classroom. She always happy to see her friends at school. I last saw her at the Valentine's party last year where she smiled from ear to ear the entire time. I know how much she looked forward to that day and how much it drained her afterward. Seeing her that happy was worth it though. Although we are all happy she is no longer in pain, she will truely be missed and she will always be a part of my heart. May peace be with you. Angela Chamberlain Becky Holmes Beck4short@yahoo.com I am one of your neighbors. Although, I don't know your family well, you have always been friendly to me ever since I moved in. I grieved with you on the day that Megan passed away. I prayed for your family often. I can't imagine what you may be going through, but I just thought you would want to know that there are a lot of people supporting you. If I can ever help in any way, please let me know. I live at 775. Cindy White Rivers I never knew your little girl. But I knew your family. And I can see her getting to know and be with her Grandpa and Grandma Stoddard. I know that it will not be easy in the days ahead. But I will remember you in my prayers. Sharon Ashment ashments@peoplepc.com Dear Dana, Shannon, and Alex I was deeply saddened when Annette Scott called to tell me Megan had passed away. She knows how much I loved Megan and was kind enough to make sure I would have a chance to say goodbye. The years I provided speech/language services for Megan gave me the opportunity to learn much from your warm and loving child. I saw her on good days when she was filled with excitement and on some not-so-good days when she was becoming ill or recovering from surgery or the side effects of medicine. I marveled that this brave little girl was able to remain cheerful, kind, and helpful despite her illness. Megan gave all who knew her the gifts of patience, tolerance, and faith for a better tomorrow. Megan loved coming to speech where she knew she would get to play games and earn prizes and stickers. Her sense of fair play was voiced firmly, and she motivated many other children to follow her lead. Often, at her own risk of losing a game, Megan would help any child who was having difficulty. Of course, when Megan was the winner she would belly-laugh with joy. Megan often talked about you, Alex. She was so proud of her big brother. She was glad that you went to the same school so you could help her. She would be filled with happiness when she saw you in the halls. She could hardly wait to tell me about it. Megan must have missed you very much when you started Jr. High. I will always remember Megan in her new pink Halloween dress (Was it Barbie or a fairy?). The children were putting on their costumes for the Halloween parade but Megan was shy about dressing in the bathroom in front of so many girls. I took her to my office where we had great fun getting her ready. Despite all the excitement, when the parade was over, Megan came to my office to thank me for the help. She never forgot her "manners." I have often prayed for Megan. At this time, I pray that the Lord will give comfort to you and that he will hasten the time when thoughts of Megan once again bring you joy rather than a sense of loss. God bless you, Sharon Ashment JoAnne Barrand I remember Megan as a cute little blond girl with warm eyes and a gentle smile. Megan was in my preschool class at Bunker.She went through so much even at that time. Megan never complained. She was serious about her work and when ever we had treats, she wanted to take some home to her brother. I always appreciated Megan's parents for their love and support for her in all she did. May you be able to enjoy the good times. Jody Green Furrer Dana: Just wanted to let you know I was so sorry to hear about Megan. I didn't know her, but have heard over the years what a special person she was. May you find comfort in the many memories you have. You and your family are in my prayers. Aunt Arlene jenkinsak@aol.com I love you all. I am thinking of you and praying for you. I wish I could have been there. What a sweet angel Megan is. Love you much, Auntie Lener Kimberly Larsen My prayers are with you. My only wish is that I could have been there to help you more. I think about you and yours always and wish the most comfort at this time. Love - Kimberly Deb Nowatzki I don't know if you remember me - I was one of Megan's 2nd grade teachers at Linden Park. I saw that Megan passed away and wanted you to know you all were in my thoughts and prayers. She was such a special child and endured so much suffering during her short life. She was so blessed to have a family and friends who cared for her so much. Lauren Thompson Dear Dana, Shannon, Alex, and all members of the extended family of Megan: I love all of you and wish I could take your pain away. I am so glad you took the option of a video tribute and a video of the graveside service, as it has given me a chance to feel closer to all of you in your grief. Hang in there and know that there are many people who are very saddened by your/our loss of a dear child. I am saving lots of hugs for next summer. Love, Lauren DaNel kirbdane@isu.edu Shannon, Dana, Alex, I am so sorry for your lose. Megan was such a sweet little girl. I will miss her and she will always be remembered. I am always here for you. Love ya- Michael, DaNel, and Luke From: Lisa Willisch lmwillisch@cableone.net To Shannon and Dana: I was touched by your daughter's obituary and heartbroken for you and your family. As you know, I never had the pleasure of meeting Megan, but I do remember when you were pregnant with her. I drive by your home going to and from work, on a daily basis, and I think of you guys every time and am saddened by what you must be going through. I can't even pretend to imagine . . . but I do feel terrible for you. Thank goodness you had Megan to brighten your lives if even for only a short time. It sounds like she touched the lives of so many people with her courage, strength, and personality. You must be so proud ! May time and prayer help heal your pain and may Megan's memories bring you closeness with even more love and laughter. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa Willisch