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MEGAN LEE WOLFF (KIRBYSON)
Born: Jul 07, 1968
Date of Passing: Dec 25, 2021
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MEGAN LEE WOLFF
(KIRBYSON)
July 7, 1968 - December 25, 2021
Megan Lee Wolff was born in Peterborough, ON on July 7, 1968, seven minutes after her sister Jennifer, and, owing to the technology of the time, was a complete surprise to her parents, Barb and Jim, who immediately adjusted their long-term preparations for one child to two.
For the next five-plus decades, Megan and Jen were constant companions, inseparable in their younger years and deeply engaged in each other's lives as adults despite geographical distances that stretched thousands of kilometres and even around the world. Megan also brought joy into the life of their younger brother Tim.
Megan died, surrounded by family, on Christmas Day after a sudden, intense illness following a COVID diagnosis. Her death is profoundly felt by family and friends in Manitoba, Ontario, Alberta and beyond.
She is survived by her daughter Mia, son Alex, twin sister Jennifer (Chris), brother Tim (Tara), parents Barbara and Jim Wolff of Pembroke, ON, nieces Zoe, Luna, Eve and Jessica, nephews Owen, James and Declan, and her beloved partner of the last seven years, Andy Gow. Megan is also survived by the Kirbysons of Winnipeg, including her former husband Geoff, sister-in-law Jill and mother-in-law Dawn, and was predeceased by father-in-law Ron. Also missing her immensely is her constant companion of the last four years, Jasper, a sweet and gentle Malamute.
Megan attended Barrhaven Public School, Graham Park Middle School and South Carleton High School in Nepean, a suburb of Ottawa. She and her siblings were shocked to hear they were moving to Winnipeg in the middle of her Grade 12 year after their dad accepted a job with the local CBC radio station, and she completed high school at Kelvin High School.
She obtained her Bachelor of Arts and her Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba in 1989 and 1992, respectively.
Upon graduation, Megan spent a year teaching English in Japan. She returned to Canada and married Geoff in Winnipeg a few years later. Mia was born in November 1997 and Alex followed in December 2000.
Mia and Alex were, quite simply, the lights of Megan's life. She was immensely proud of them in everything they did - whether in school, on the field of play or how they treated others -- and was their biggest cheerleader. She was also their trusted confidante and counsellor when they faced challenges and setbacks.
After spending 11 years at home with her kids, Megan achieved her lifelong dream of having her own classroom when she accepted a job teaching Grade 1 at Strathcona School.
She moved to J.B. Mitchell in 2012 to teach Grade 1 and then nursery school. She was an extraordinary teacher, treating her students with the utmost respect and love. She was never afraid to tell her students how much they meant to her and hugged them regularly. It was common for former students to stop by her classroom to say hi and to get another hug.
With the conclusion of this school year, Megan was set to embark on the next great chapter of her life, planning a move to Colorado to be with Andy.
Megan will be remembered for a smile that could brighten up the darkest of rooms, her sense of humour, infectious laughter and her ability to put people at ease immediately. When you had a conversation with her, she gave you her full attention as if you were the most important person in the room. Because you were. And it didn't matter if you were five years old or 75, Megan spoke to everybody as if they were her equal. Because, in her mind, they were.
Megan was predeceased by her grandparents, Desmond and Mae Wolff and Walter and Grace McIntyre.
The family would like to thank the medical teams at both the Grace Hospital and the St. Boniface Hospital for their expert care during Megan's brief illness.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when larger gatherings are permitted.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Winnipeg School Division Children's Heritage Fund in care of Strathcona School or J.B. Mitchell School.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2022
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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My daughter had the incredible fortune to have "Mrs. K" as her nursery school teacher. The way she was described here resonated deeply with me, as I was always so grateful that she treated each child as an individual worthy of time, respect and attention. What a rare gift to give children as they embark on their educational journeys, and their lives - the belief that they are valuable contributors to the world. Thank you, thank you, Mrs. K. The magnitude of your impact is hard to imagine. - Posted by: Janice (Parent of a former student) on: Feb 10, 2022
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We did not know Meagan well because of our living in another province. However, when ever we visited, she made a point of making us feel comfortable. It is hard to find words to express our sympathy,but our thoughts are always with you. - Posted by: Jim and Jean McClelland and Greg Lai (Uncle, Aunt and cousin of Geoff, Mia and Alex) on: Jan 31, 2022
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I'm an Australian lass who first made my way from a sunny Australia summer to wintery Winnipeg in 1991 and got the shock of my life. Quite aside from the sheer quantity of snow I was blown away by the warmest of welcomes from every Winnipeg local. I was introduced to Jen & Megan as friends of my host friend. They brighten the 6 weeks of my time in Winnipeg - and added that extra touch of magic for my first white Christmas - loads of laughter and fun. In the intervening years we stayed in touch and their Winnipeg welcome never left me. Megan was a beautiful ambassador of all things great in your part of the world. It does not surprise me that she will be missed so greatly. I can only hope, for all her friends and dear family, they are comforted in the knowledge that they knew her so deeply. Love across the miles. xx Liz - Posted by: Liz Phillips (Friend ) on: Jan 22, 2022
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I am so sorry for the loss of Megan. I did not have the good fortune to have met her, but as I read about her, I thought to myself that the description of who she was would be very much how I would describe Jen. I know her loss is great. I hope the wonderful memories everyone has of her will bring smiles to your faces and comfort to your souls. Jen, I am thinking of you and your family and all those who knew Megan. Sending huge hugs and deepest condolences from me, Kevin, Owen and Eve xo - Posted by: Deirdre Freiheit (Friend of Jen) on: Jan 22, 2022
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Megan and Jennifer were part of a big, wonderful circle of friends in our high school cohort. I was lucky enough to be in the same homeroom as Jen and clearly recall sitting next to Meg in History. While we only shared one short 'chapter' in our lives' history, high school years leave us with many indelible happy memories, and I was so deeply saddened to hear the news of Meg's passing. Sending much love to Jennifer and the extended family. - Posted by: Nancy Cowell (Friend from school) on: Jan 22, 2022
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I am so deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Megan. I am a friend of her twin sister, Jenn. I know what an amazing human being she must have been as Jenn would often talk about her sister and her nephew and niece. There was obviously so much love when she spoke of them. I particularly remember one day when Jenn shared how, as twins, her and Megan were connected in almost an eerie, yet wonderful way. She could almost feel what Megan was feeling even though they lived thousands of miles apart. I thought it was so cool and she was so lucky to have that deep connection. May Megan be at peace now and may you all feel a connection to her in your own ways. Sincerely, Laura Jorgenson (Saskatoon) - Posted by: Laura Jorgenson (Friend of her sister, Jenn.) on: Jan 22, 2022