Megan Lorraine Beard

Megan was born in Wheat Ridge, CO on October 27, 1992 and lived in Evergreen, CO with her family until she was five, when they moved to Dripping Springs.

Megan went from Kindergarten through High School in the DSISD and continued an extra year in the 18 plus program where she became more involved in her community. Frequent stops in her community work were the Thrift Store and Goodwill, the Library, the Sr. Citizen Center and the Hill Country Care where she shared her love of music.

At graduation, when Megan walked across the stage in her slow determined way, her family’s and friends’ hearts swelled with pride as they not only watched her, but, also witnessed the standing ovation the entire senior class gave her.

At times, Megan’s life was not an easy one, but it was filled with an enormous amount of love and grace. Even when she was feeling under the weather, she tried to always give you a sweet smile. She was continually surrounded by family members, caregivers, and friends who gravitated towards her infectious smile, penetrating eyes, and her gentle, fun and, sometimes, mischievous spirit!

Megan’s school years were enriched by, not only, being in Life Skills, but being in mainstream classes as well so she could have many school interactions and experiences. She went to Choir and sang her own songs. Megan had many therapies, but Music Therapy was her favorite. She bowled, participated in Special Olympics, and March Madness. Bake sales and fundraisers were organized to raise money and awareness for Rett Syndrome. Classmates were inspired to write about her. Teachers realized that there were times when they were the student and Megan, the teacher. She inspired career paths. Her little foot left a huge footprint in many ways.

Megan was a loved and precious member of our Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church family. On Wednesdays at a local church, she participated in Friendships for Life which nurtures relationships between special needs young adults.

Megan’s legacy will be that she touched and influenced many lives and made all of us better people. We have known love, as well as joy like we never knew existed. She may be gone, but she is not alone because a part of us went with her.

Megan is survived by her parents Steve and Cathy Beard of Dripping Springs, TX: sister Miranda Beard of Waco, TX ; maternal grandmother Rosa Mitchell of Dripping Springs, TX; Paternal grandparents Rex and Patricia Beard of Grand Junction, CO; Aunt Connie Boyles of Aledo, TX; Aunt Elaine and Uncle Matt Daymon of Grand Junction, CO; and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. She was predeceased by her Uncle Terry Beard, and her maternal grandfather Raymond L. Mitchell.

Megan leaves behind many wonderful and compassionate caregivers, too many to mention, who provided support and love that enhanced her quality of life. We are forever grateful for each of them.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25th, 2015 at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 5226 William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX.

Memorial contributions can be made to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, www.rettsyndrome.org, the Epilepsy Foundation, www.efcst.org, or the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network, www.terrisfight.org.