Megan M’Lynn Merrified,daughter of James Merrifield and Rebecca VanWerven-Sedlacek, was born in Blue Island, Illinois, November 30, 1996 and departed this life on November 19, 2015 in Loveland Colorado at the young age of 18.  Megan struggled with type 1 diabetes from the tender age of 11 and ultimately died from diabetic complications. Megan’s family has chosen not to mourn her death, but celebrate her life.  Megan was a free spirit who loved photography, creating jewelry, and anything tie–dyed.  Not only was she a free spirit she had a quick wit and firecracker personality. Megan was loving, carefree, and very kind.  Megan was one with the earth, she loved the mountains and clear skies.  Her personal motto was: “Staying positive is key, no matter what the situation may be.”  Whenever a friend was in need of a little friendly advice or a helping hand Megan kept it positive.  She loved life; when she was diagnosed with diabetes she wasn’t thrilled about it but sweetly said, “everything happens for a reason, just not sure what the reason is.”   She loved her pets; Lovie, who preceded Megan to Heaven; Jinx, Cosmo, and Lovebug. She is survived by: Her father James Merrifield; mother Rebecca VanWerven Sedlacek and her step-dad Paul Sedlacek; her sister Heather Tobin and Heather’s dad Paul Tobin; her grand-parents, Herman & Carla VanWerven;  her grandmother, Linda Taylor; her great-grandparents, Earl and Norma Dixon; her Uncle John Steel; her Aunts Brooke Herrick, Wendy VanWerven Sons, Polly Pellicer, Debbie Sohl, Jennifer Loranger, Julie Luckett, Judy Steel; and her cousins; Matt, Jake, Crystal; Sara, Joey; Rudy; Jasmine; John, Cody; Bobby, Brandon; Sunshine, Moon, Star and her great-cousin; Jade. Visitation Friday 3-9 p.m. Funeral Service Saturday 11:00 a.m at the Maher Funeral Home 7051 W. 171st St. Tinley Park. Interment Private.
 

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