Megan Veronica Lange

December 29, 1988 – January 27, 2015.

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.”

-Nicholas Sparks

Megan Veronica Lange was born December 29, 1988 in Glendale, AZ. She passed away January 27, 2015 at St. Joseph’s hospital in Phoenix, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Megan had a wonderful childhood, surrounded by loving family, friends, and mentors. She was the pride and joy of her parents and a shining example to her younger sister and brother. Growing up, Megan was an excellent student and a talented dancer. She graduated from Greenway High School in 2007, and attended Paradise Valley Community College, earning high honors.

In a fairytale wedding, Megan married her high school sweetheart, Patrick Lange, on October 9, 2010. By then, his family had long been hers. Megan and Patrick were blessed with two beautiful sons, Sean Patrick on November 9, 2012 and Miles Christopher on July 31, 2014. Megan’s boys were her greatest and purest joy. Her truest calling in life was as a mother; she was a gifted teacher, crafter, and chef, and she made the Lange house a home.

Wise and mature beyond her years, Megan took care of all of those around her, giving freely of her time and her love. She will forever be remembered for her radiant smile and tender heart. While life threw Megan many curveballs, she inspired those around her with her quiet strength and enduring faith each time she faced a trial. Megan had an incredible work ethic. She worked hard for everything she had. Her hands were never idle – she was constantly designing homemade cards, cutting coupons, sewing, scrapbooking, baking, and creating – almost always for others.

Megan’s choice to become a Phoenix Fire Department dispatcher fit her well. She was patient and logic, direct and compassionate. Every day, she saved lives and brought comfort and safety to those in their greatest times of need. She was so proud of her “fire family” and the unity they shared.

Megs wore her heart on her sleeve. She had a sweet, silly side – the playful side that was always with her children. She was a notorious giggler, and once she got started, she couldn’t stop. When she had a story to tell, her entire face lit up with excitement. She was resourceful and organized, a natural planner. An avid reader, she loved curling up with a good book and was known to cry and laugh out loud as she read. She loved the rain, anything Disney, midnight movie premiers, the beach, gardening, and spending time at her family’s cabin.

In her short time on Earth, Megan touched so very many. Those lucky enough to have known her are left with impossible shoes to fill, left with a sense of urgency to be better – to be more like her.

Megan is survived by her best friend and loving husband, Patrick; their two beautiful sons – the center of her universe – Sean (2) and Miles (6 months); parents Debbie and Chris; stepmother Cindy, sister Kaitlyn and brother Cody; grandparents Carol and Leonard Knape and Wanda and Larry Stiffler; parents in-law Mike and Lori Lange; siblings in-law Michelle Lange and Taylor Gardner and Heather and Jesse Sparks; six young nieces and nephews: Miley (6), Carter (4), Landry (3), Emery (1), Jolie (3 months), and Jack (4 weeks); Uncle Michael and Aunt Michele Knape and their children; Uncle Todd and Aunt Cindy Knape and their children; her dear cousins the Prevallets, her best friend Leah; and countless members of her large circle of family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and community.

Megan is preceded in death by father David A. Stiffler; great grandparents Margaret and Herbert Umland; great grandparents Leonard and Veronica Knape; great aunt Joyce Feinstein; and Patrick’s grandmother, Patricia Frazier.

Patrick, Sean, and Miles would like to extend their eternal gratitude to all of their family, friends, fire family, church, and the community at large for their continuous prayers and endless support.

To donate to the Megan Lange Memorial Fund, send a check to the address below. Be sure to indicate on the check that it is for Megan Lange.

UPFFA (United Phoenix Firefighters Association)

61 East Columbus Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85012