Meaghan Monaghan
September 22, 1995 ~ September 19, 2020
Cape Elizabeth - Meaghan Rose Tuileisu Monaghan, passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2020 at the age of 24. Meaghan was a humble, kind, gifted, and loving person who held her family in the highest regard. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
The remarkable life of Meaghan began on September 22, 1995, in Newport Beach, California. She was the second child born to Stephen Monaghan, Jr. and Faimafili "Fili" (Te'o) Monaghan. In the early years, she was a total momma's girl, but knew she could get away with anything with her dad. Moving to Cape Elizabeth in 1997, Meaghan enjoyed spending her childhood days playing with her older brother and cousins Bella and Elizabeth at her Poppy's house or trying out a new sport such as field hockey, ballet, or skiing. However, she found her true passion when she began taking ice skating lessons in Portland.
Meaghan loved being on the ice and worked diligently to become a very talented figure skater. Intensive practices and her developing self-determination propelled her to become a wonderful skater all through high school. Sadly in 2013, Meaghan experienced her first serious concussion while skating. Meaghan graduated that year from Cape Elizabeth High School and went on to study engineering at the University of Delaware. She continued competitive skating but concussion injuries, both on and off the ice, forced her to step away from her commitment to skating. Meaghan then channeled her creative energy through good friendships, her giving nature, and the academic challenge of successfully completing her degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Delaware.
Meaghan was a very gifted and insightful artist and thinker. Whether it was a painting, a sketch, making a video, or expounding on your rhythmic color and our connection to each other and the universe, Meaghan's creative sense enhanced everything she touched. Even when she was simply making eggs, Meaghan would do so in the most unique and creative way possible. There aren't enough words to accurately describe the wonderful person Meaghan was. She was loving, generous, and loyal to her family. One of her favorite pastimes was simply being with family. She loved learning about her Samoan culture from her grandmother, mother, and aunt Seve. Meaghan loved bringing people together to do things, like trying to beat her dad at board games or just spending endless time with her brothers.
She is predeceased by her grandparents Luisa Maria Monaghan, Dr. Stephen Edward Monaghan, and High Chief Te'o Faavaivai Toa Te'o, as well as her cousins Pita Te'o, Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, and Curtis Yandall.
Meaghan is survived by her parents, Stephen Monaghan, Jr. and Faimafili "Fili" (Te'o) Monaghan, her brothers, Stephen "Skivi" Edward Te'o Monaghan III, Nathaniel "Vai" Faavaivai Monaghan; her grandmother, Luisa Te'o; her uncles & aunts Bill & Stephanie Blout, Nancy Monaghan, Carl & Patty Franson, Kimberly Monaghan, Sam & Jane Robinson, Kurt Nielson & Liz Monaghan, Lucky & Faafetai Yandall, Faasegi Caldwell, Setupuaseve Te'o, Ailota Nesheim, Ieti & Peka Te'o, and Junior Te'o. Meaghan is also survived by several cousins and extended relatives of the Monaghan and Te'o families.
A memorial service honoring Meaghan's short, but remarkable life will be held on Friday, September 25, 2020, from 11:00AM - 12:00PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Reception will follow at the Monaghan's residence at 14 Eastfield Road, Cape Elizabeth. To leave an online condolence or to view Meaghan's memorial page, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
Those desiring to honor Meaghan's life are encouraged to contribute to their own family through acts of kindness and love.
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Our most profound condolences. The Stewart Family: Elizabeth, Parsla, and Phil
– Elizabeth
Meaghan, what can I possibly say that would do your soul justice. Your energy was immaculate, raw, and real. You were a princess of Samoa, and yet treated your friends, family, strangers, and enemies as royalty, always putting others above yourself. In the sixth grade, you, Natalie, and I watched Jump In and decided to start a super cool and exclusive double dutch club called the Jewel Jumpers as if we would be discovered by Corbin Bleu himself at recess. In the eighth grade, we shared demons with each other that we were facing, things we couldn’t quite understand yet. You held my hand and heart through it all. We got feathers woven into box-dyed hair we would later find cringy and embarrassing. We talked to strangers on Omegle and watched the Skyscraper music video over and over and over again. What’s more, our rendition of the Hoedown Throwdown was displayed on the largest of screens during our 8th grade graduation to just put the icing on the cake of adolescent embarrassment. In high school I watched you skate – you danced on the ice like you were floating and flying. Spinning, spinning, spinning. Nothing and no one could touch or hurt you. I also watched you be the designated driver time, time, and time again – the best music was always queued up. I can still hear you singing Shoop like you were part of Salt-N-Pepa. I think of warm angry orchards, stick and poke tattoos, and stomach-wrenching laughter when I think of that time in our lives. I always wished I could be as funny as you. We were about to go to college, and I remember you talking to me about a woman in front of you at Walmart who was short a few dollars and started to cry. You didn’t just spare the few dollars she needed, you paid the whole thing. Your love for others is unmatched and I pray that I can be anywhere near as good of a person as you were. I am deeply sorry for anyone who did not have the privilege of knowing such a selfless, hilarious, intelligent, and outstanding human being. Your soul will stand and expand across the tests of time. You are eternal and I am so lucky to have known you. I love you and will carry you with me everywhere that I go. Rest in the most beautiful peace, our Magical Meaghan.
– Julianne Ayers
I’ve never met anyone with such a kind heart as Meaghan. She was my first friend at UD and encouraged me to join her in engineering, even when I thought I couldn’t do it. My life would not be the same without her! I will miss her and always remember the great times we had together.
– Kristin Elaine
Meaghan was one of my closest friends in college and someone whose friendship we each cherished dearly. Her sense of humor, wit, and laid back nature was what made her so amazing and likable by everyone. I love and miss you with all my heart, Meags.
– Alexandra Platt
This isnt goodbye. This is an Ill see you later. Love & miss you Meags
– Tribute Store
Meaghan was hands down the nicest person I ever skated with. I never had a bad interaction with her and remember her being so bubbly and kind and a beautiful skater. My heart is so broken to know of her passing and I send her family my deepest condolences and love. I hope her spirit is resting easy and keeping watch over all her loved ones. <3
- Elana Khoury-Bolles
Meaghan was the sorority little of one of my best friends, Daniella DiMatteo. This picture was taken in 2015 as Daniella had me play guitar both Meaghan and Stephanie (Meaghan’s sorority little) as they were each being inducted into the sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. While I was not best friends with Meags (Meaghan’s nickname), I did have the pleasure of knowing her through engineering and Daniella. With Daniella being one of my best friends, I knew that Meags would embody the same morale and respect that Daniella upholds. Meags was a force to be reckoned with. If I think about the last time I saw Meags, it would have been the time she asked me for help on a Materials Science exam. She had informed me that several boys made her feel that she wasn’t smart enough to pursue engineering. My response was she had every right to be there and that she had every opportunity and potential to succeed. Seeing her smile and take on this feat to come through with a Civil Engineering degree proves she did. Lastly, the song I played for Meags and Stephanie was 3am by Matchbox 20, one of mine and Daniella’s favorites. Now, every time I hear or play that song, the happy times Meags brought us will come to life. With love and a heavy heart, I send my condolences to her family and loved ones. May she rest in paradise and forever give us reasons to smile each and every day.
– Seth Bulich
With all of our love, support and sympathy. We love you all. Uncle Ieti, Auntie Peka, RC, Shaneka, Kage and Luna Te’o Forever Family
– Tribute Store
Fila and Stephen, we are profoundly sorry for your loss. Brooke skated at PIA WITH Meaghan and we were so lucky to have her as a guest skater at our show in Auburn.
– Sue Gagne
Meaghan, you have such an amazing spirit.. Our friendship developed like a classic romantic comedy- we kept bumping into each other at college events and in the hallways of UD’s ICE building. From the moment I met you, and we continued to bump into each other, I knew you were special. And as you always said- it was fate that we crossed paths. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to walk into my life than you. You have an energy that is so uniquely yours. So genuine. So loving. Such a light in this world. Thank you for being so amazingly true to yourself -I will always admire that about you. May you Rest In Peace my Samoan ice skating civil engineering beautiful & brilliant friend We are all better for having known you Meagz. the Key to my Peele. The Cal to my Tor. The Passion to my Pit. Forever grateful for the happiness you brought to me and others around you. Fly high sweet angel
– Daniella
I have so many fond memories of Meaghan from figure skating at Portland Ice Arena. Her friendship was a highlight of my time as a figure skater. From regular weekly practices to the annual ice shows each spring, Meaghan was always a ray of sunshine on and off of the ice. I was so sad to hear of her passing today. Sending love and prayers to her family. I will treasure the fond memories I have.
– Annaliese Lemieux-Kaplan
Meags, you were truly one of the best people I have ever known and always made the world a better place with your kind soul. I will love and miss you.
– Alexandra Platt
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We cherish the moments when Meags made us laugh and showed us to appreciate the smallest things. Miss her dearly!
– Aly, Courtney, and Jessica (UD Figure Skating)
I hope you find solace in each other during this time. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with you all.
– Peter A. Colesworthy BH1621
Sent with love and remembrance from the Hutchinson Family. Phil, Lauren, Keri, & Brett
– Tribute Store
Meaghan was one of my first ever skating friends and was such a positive influence on me growing up. We had such great memories on and off the ice. I will always cherish the time we shared together – from the Audubon photoshoots to years of ice shows and everything in between. I will never forget her iconic “Fashion” program. Meaghan never failed to make me laugh and cheer me up on a bad day. She was so loved by everyone who met her. My heart goes out to the Monaghan family – I am thinking of you and sending all my love. Meags, you are so loved and are so missed. The impact you had on my life is greater than you know. Thank you for everything.
– Julia Gilman
Your family is in our thoughts as we send our deepest sympathy. Always may God give the needed strength and comfort. Meaghan is dearly missed and will never be forgotten.
– Kindred Family
A true “rose” to so many and a ray of sunshine in this world. Meaghan, the piece of my heart that finds meaning on the ice goes out to you in the beyond. Like an endless glide across a iridescent surface, may you rest in serenity and love.
– Andrew Korda
Today I went skating for the first time in awhile and, of course, thought of Meaghan. I was (and still am) absolutely heartbroken to hear this news. Sending my deepest condolences to the Monaghan family. Meaghan was one of the most beautiful skaters I’ve ever met and she will always be an inspiration to me on the ice. Her heart was so so big and my memories of her are full of love and laughter. She was extremely kind, thoughtful, and had the best sense of humor. Thinking of her family, especially during the holidays, and sending them lots of love.
– Kelley Reardon
ADPi is so saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved sister Meaghan. We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you during this time.
– So much love, Alpha Delta Pi- Theta Delta chapter
You were unassuming and shy, but your light shone bright. Your smile lit every room and you were genuine with everyone who was blessed to have met you. I pray that you are at peace and that you will watch over all of us, especially your mom, dad, Skivi & Vai. Please hug Papa, Pita, uncles Dave and Tony as well as Daniel and Kurdi for us. Manuia lau malaga, Meags. Love always, ISA
– LOUISA FAAVAIVAI TE’O
Dear Fili and Family, I offer my deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anything. Your Colleague, Tina I. Smith
– Tina
Words escaped me when I heard of Meaghan’s passing. My thoughts and love are with Fili, Stephen and Skivi during this impossible time. I’ve always cherished my time with the Monaghans when I first moved to Maine. Meaghan described me as “the lady who lives in our attic” I’ve always smiled when I think of that sweet and kind little girl. Another memory was taking Meaghan trick or treating with Nina in Cape Elizabeth. We laughed a lot and had a great time. She was joyful and playful. My life is richer for meeting the Monaghans. Meaghan will forever be that little girl I met in 2003. Love and peace to you. KathyLarsson Lake Stevens WA
– Kathy Larsson
Meags was an extraordinary person and friend. I love and miss you
– Marissa Anne
I never met Meaghan but I know her mom Fili, who would always talk about her as well as her skating accomplishments . I could tell from the way Fili’s face would light up that Meaghan was a special person. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
– Scott Dunham
Meaghan was an incredibly warm and thoughtful young woman – with incredible potential. She made a difference in the world and her caring nature lives on in the so many people she influenced.
– Mary Page
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
– Tribute Store
My Dearest Meggs, In life we loved you dearly… In death we love you still… In our hearts you hold a place no one will ever fill… Your smile was contagious and your ora would lighten any mood. You truly are a gem and will be deeply missed and always remembered. Love you my dear cousin. To infinity and beyond
– Marie Te’o-Nesheim Aiona
I’m struggling to find the words. My daughter, Caroline, said “Meaghan was the nicest girl at the rink”. I think that is absolutely correct. So hard to process this. Fili, my heart goes out to you and your family. I almost lost a child to a brain injury but for some reason God let me keep him here on Earth. It’s so hard. God will take care of your Meaghan. Please accept my most sincere condolences.
– Doris Samaras
Meaghan was one of the happiest, most positive influences on my childhood life. Growing up skating with her was an absolute joy and I will forever cherish the memories we made together. She could make me laugh harder than anyone, and introduced me to so many creative aspects of life outside of skating. I don’t think I had more inside jokes with any friend, and I can remember rolling around laughing so hard together that our stomachs would hurt To the Monaghan family, I send my deepest thoughts and love to you all. Meaghan was a fierce friend and her influence on the skating world and anyone who knew her will not be forgotten. Thank you Meags for being the person that you were, you will be so missed.
– Morgan Sewall
Meags was a ray of light at UD. From her incredible sense of humor to the way she compassionately included others, Meags was the absolute best. I will cherish our memories creating art together and spending equally fun nights in and out with her. She is deeply missed.
– Gabriella Ward
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
– Network 1 ISSOs
Meaghan will remain a bright light in our hearts forever. There are no words to express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. With much love & hugs,
– The Kouros Family
Meaghan was and is the best friend any one could ever ask for. She and her loving spirit will always be with us. We love her and love your family.
– Julianne
I will remember a beautiful, cheerful young woman. I will recall long, deep conversations of unhobbled speculation and whimsical imagination. I will miss a young girl willing to listen to her Dad and me and our silliness. Meaghan enjoyed the happiness of others. We are… I am diminished by her passing. Rest in peace, Meaghan.
– Tim Moodie