Obituary of Meggan Ann Nowalk

Meggan Ann Nowalk, 46, of Syracuse, New York, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at home surrounded by her loving family. Meggan fought a courageous battle with cancer over the past 4 years and her fighting spirit will continue to inspire everyone whose lives she has touched. Meggan was born July 11, 1960 in Cortland, New York, the daughter of Gene and Sandra (Wheaton) Nowalk. Meggan grew up on the family farm and it was there she developed her great love of animals, especially the horses that she would ride bareback around the farm. She kept that love of animals through her entire life. She leaves behind her cherished rabbit, Ottoman and her beloved dog, Jamison. She graduated from Cincinnatus Central School where she enjoyed many extracurricular activities. She later earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from TC3. Later in life TC3 is also where she found her passion for nursing. After graduating from TC3's Nursing Program it was clear that nursing was what Meggan was born to do. Meggan was employed by Crouse Hospital in Syracuse as a Registered Nurse. Meggan worked very hard to achieve her goal of becoming a nurse and she enjoyed every minute of being one. Meggan made nursing her life, not just her career, and her coworkers as well as patients on 5 South will miss her dearly. Meggan is survived by her loving children; her son, Nicholas Nowalk of Virgil, New York; her daughter, Hilarie Weir of Syracuse, New York; her wonderful parents, Gene & Sandra Nowalk of Willet, New York; one sister, Margaret (Craig) Standish of Willet, New York; one brother, Zachary (Carolyn) Nowalk of Cincinnatus, New York; three nieces, Shaye (Bryan) Jasper, BreAnn Standish, & Cheyenne Nowalk; one nephew, Duane (Judy) Standish; and three great nieces, Tesla Standish, Makayla Standish, & Audrey Jasper. Meggan was predeceased in 2005 by an uncle, Marc Wheaton, who held a very special place in her life. Be comforted now in knowing that she and Marc are together again. Services: Tuesday, October 10, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, 2584 Field Lane, LaFayette, New York. Calling Hours: Monday, October 9, 2006, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, October 10, 2006, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, 2584 Field Lane, LaFayette, New York. Burial will be private. Contributions: In honor of the memory of Meggan Nowalk RN, a nursing scholarship is being established through the Crouse Health Foundation and the Crouse Hospital School of Nursing at 765 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, New York 13210. To honor Meggan's deep love of her work as a RN, we ask that all her fellow health care workers please wear their scrubs to the services as she will be in hers.