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Obituary

“I’m made from stardust!” 

– Maegan Renae

Maegan Renae Ward

7/21/89—12/9/22

Maegan was born in Dallas, Texas on July 21, 1989. On December 9, 2022, she was pronounced brain dead following a sudden medical emergency. Maegan had chosen to be an organ and tissue donor, impacting many lives with her generosity. Her family asks for privacy regarding further details.

Maegan grew up in the suburbs of Dallas. As a child, she was a fierce and fast soccer player, despite being asthmatic. She admired footballer Pelé and proudly wore the #10 on her jersey. For several years, she refused clothes in any color other than blue, all shades were fine, as long as it was blue. Maegan enjoyed drawing and writing, creating interesting characters and stories. She created the “Maegan Files” videos where she’d set up an 8mm camcorder and talk about a variety of subjects. She liked video games and could spend hours at a time on her Gameboy and Tamagotchi toys. She often attended Dallas Stars hockey games and once went to their Skate-With-The-Stars event. Her favorite foods included mac’n cheese, vienna sausages, cinnamon sugar buttered bread, ramen, and mashed potatoes, but never watermelon.

Maegan attended elementary school in Irving, TX, and middle/high school in Richardson, TX, where she participated in choir, volleyball, and swimming. She was fearless on her backyard trampoline, flipping and bouncing high into the air. As a teen and young adult, she was exhilarated riding roller coasters. She once leapt from a cliffside into the ocean. She ziplined through trees. She preferred spending days floating down the river. She didn’t miss the chance to jump into a pile of snow. For Maegan, fun was a priority whenever possible. Her laughter was contagious. Her spirit was youthful.

Maegan had a natural connection with animals. She loved many cats, dogs, and other critters. Her first pet was Harvey, a shorthair black kitty who she claimed to have “taught to headbutt”. He was named after her favorite Dallas Stars player, Todd Harvey, also #10. She frequently befriended all kinds of pets and strays. One of her most memorable summers was spent at horse camp. Early in her career, she worked in the pet industry as a cat grooming assistant and a kennel attendant at a veterinary center. She then pivoted to the food service industry, excelling in her roles, and was recognized as Employee of the Year. 

Maegan was a proud mother of a precious girl, Sara, whom she dearly loved and deeply cherished. They had a strong bond and loved talking, giggling, and being silly together. Maegan was adamant she would name her daughter Sara ever since she watched the movie A Little Princess when she was young. Her dolls all had the same name, too. 

Maegan was a big sister to Charlotte, whom she loved greatly and enjoyed spending time with, playing video games, dancing, and having fun. She had always wanted a sibling and was thrilled when her wish came true. Maegan celebrated Charlotte’s impressive soccer skills. They shared a special notebook of personal written messages to each other. Pages filled with love and sissy stuff.

Maegan was fascinated by the stars, moons, planets, and aliens. She was an artist, a writer, a free spirit, a kind-hearted friend with a compassionate and empathetic nature, a fun co-worker, and a playful soul.  She had gorgeous eyes (her favorite feature) and tiny feet. She opted for Vans shoes and tie-dye tops. She was a skilled Fortnite player. She liked reading Dean Koontz novels, doing jigsaw and sudoku puzzles, and drawing. Music concerts with friends made her happy. She enjoyed camping and exploring new places, always ready for adventures. 

Maegan was quick to smile and focus on the positive, despite multiple health problems and personal struggles. Although she faced extremely difficult circumstances, she tenaciously held onto hope that someday she would fulfill her dreams and find peace. Her life ended tragically far too soon at the age of 33.

Maegan is preceded in death by her mother Yvette Ivey. Maegan is survived by her daughter Sara High, her sister Charlotte Ward, her father Jason Ward, her mother Stacey Ward and partner Zack Pierry, grandparents Memaw (Debbie) Pappy (Ronnie) and Mimi (Peggy) and more, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

We will remember Maegan always with love.

Maegan smiling at the camera, her hair half braided and half straight hanging over her shoulder