Megan Jane DeFranco

A beloved sister, aunt, daughter, and friend, Megan was born June 29, 1979 at Alexandria Hospital. She attended the Basilica School of St. Mary, and graduated from (then) T.C. Williams High School in 1997.

Megan is survived by her sisters Antoinette Vejlstrup, Alexis Mason, and Genevieve DeFranco; her brothers-in-law Morten Vejlstrup and John Mason; her nieces and nephew, Allegra, Giuliana, and Bennett; her partner, Keith Babor; and her mother, Kathleen DeFranco. Megan was preceded by her father, Richard DeFranco, with whom she will be laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Megan put her heart and soul into her work, the throughline of which was community. She brought joy through her warmth, and through her ability to always see the best in people. She spent time working in dental and veterinary offices, was a corporate trainer at California Pizza Kitchen, and spent many years working at Hops Brewery in Alexandria, VA. Most recently, she was working at HIPS (Honoring Individual Power and Strength), an organization dedicated to promoting the health, rights and dignity of individuals in the D.C. area.

Megan was unbelievably quick-witted, an invaluable ally, and always willing to help someone in need. She was hardworking, loving, kind, and generous. She was known for her incredible sense of humor, and for her gift of one-liners. Megan made friends everywhere she went. She will be greatly missed by all who had the fortune of knowing her.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in remembrance of Megan, held Friday, September 22 from 1-3pm at Demaine Funeral Home in Old Town, Alexandria. A mass in her honor will be held Saturday, September 23 at 10:30am at the Basilica of St. Mary.

The family requests that those who wish to express sympathy consider donating in Megan’s name and honor to HIPS. Donations can be made on their website: www.hips.org.