Megan Elizabeth Sauve

Megan Elizabeth Sauvé died unexpectedly after a brief illness on December 11, 2013 at Renown Hospital in Reno, NV. She was born at Serra Hospital in Sun Valley, CA where her grandfather, Howard F. Marquis, was the administrator. Her parents John Mark Sauvé and Mary Jane Marquis Sauvé had just moved from New Jersey to Novato, CA. Raised in Novato, Megan was a member of the Novato Aquanauts and later as a teenager became a counselor at Camp Little Bear in Santa Rosa, CA where she taught swimming for three summers. She attended Marin Catholic High School and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo graduating in 1992 with a BA in history. After graduation she worked for Allied Van Lines in Sausalito and for the YMCA Aquatics Program.

Her experiences in the aquatics program led to an interest in both physical and occupational therapy. To complete her math and science requirements she attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City where she was adopted by Bennie, a 20 pound orange feline who was her constant companion for the next 17 years. After completing her degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) at Dominican University in San Rafael, CA she worked at a rehab facility in Studio City. Always adventurous, the next year she decided to be a traveling OT. Over the following 6 years she and Bennie criss- crossed the USA three times, living in places like Baltimore, MD, Chicago, IL., Spartanburg, SC, and Carson City, NV. In 2007 she returned to CA settling in Carmichael, CA where she introduced her parent’s yellow Labrador,” Jose”, a retired guide dog breeder, to her patients. He was an immediate success improving both patient morale and attendance at gym. Her final move was to Quincy, CA where she lived until her death.

Megan is survived by her parents, sisters Molly Sauvé Barnhill (Kim) of Manhattan Beach, CA and Moira Sauvé of Newbury Park, CA, brother Mark J. Sauvé of Henderson, NV , nieces Tess, Katie and Grace Barnhill along with close extended family members James and Kelly Donofrio of Las Vegas, NV. Megan could be stubborn, but was also a kind and caring sister and daughter as well as a loyal and caring friend to wide circle of friends. She will be very missed by all.

Services will be held on Monday, December 16, 2013 beginning with a wake at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral mass at 12:00 noon at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1000 Cambridge St., Novato, CA. A luncheon reception will follow in the parish hall.