Megan Mary McGarvey

Megan Mary McGarvey passed away unexpectedly on May 26, 2021. Born July 25, 1962 in Kansas City, Missouri to Linda and James McGarvey she proudly claimed her title as the little sister of the McGarvey brood. Shortly after her birth the family relocated to Havelock, North Carolina where she would remain close for the majority of her life.

Megan was a life long German Shepard lover and champion for animal rescue. A vocal proponent of adopting, she loved and cared for her two "Grrs," Sadie and Lilly, deeply, as well as the many other pets that came before them.

Her time as Cheerleading Captain at Havelock High School left her a lifelong Rams Football fan. After earning a communications degree from NC State she could frequently be heard cheering, "Go Pack!". Fascinated by ancient Egypt, Megan referred to herself as a "frustrated Egyptologist."

She carried on her mother's "Warrior Woman" legacy advocating for the remains of her father, Lt. Col. James M. McGarvey (a Cherry Point Pilot who is still listed as Missing in Action from the Vietnam War), to be found and returned to his family. Megan was instrumental in bringing the Vietnam Memorial "Wall that Heals" to New Bern in April 2021 and took great pride in visiting the Wall with family and friends to share her Dad's story.

Although she wanted to be Mary Poppins when she grew up, Megan devoted over 30 years of her career to serving CarolinaEast Health System, most recently as the Director of Marketing. She also proudly served on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce of her beloved hometown, Havelock.

In many ways Megan realized her dream by spreading joy, laughter and a little mischief everywhere she went and just like Mary Poppins, she was practically perfect in every way. She was a remarkable woman, an amazing sister, loving aunt, doting fur mama, enthusiastic friend, and dedicated colleague. Megan is survived by her "Grrrs," Sadie Mae and Lilly Mae, stepfather David Lee, and wife Carol Sue, brother Michael McGarvey and wife, Tina, brother James Patrick McGarvey and wife Alice, brother Donovan Lee and wife, Jennifer, many nieces, one nephew, and several great nieces and nephews. She joins her mother, father and sister, Tara, for a happy reunion in heaven.

In addition to her family, she is remembered by many wonderful friends. Her memory and legacy will live on in the hearts of so many.

A celebration of life will be held at The Havelock Tourist and Event Center on June, 3 at 2:00 pm. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the German Shepard Rescue of North Carolina, https://www.gsdrescue.org, or the Thera-Paws Furapy At Its Best Fund at the CarolinaEast Foundation. This fund supports CarolinaEast's canine visitation program, which Megan was instrumental in starting and passionate about supporting. The program is known for bringing comfort, affections, and happiness to patients, visitors and staff. CarolinaEast Foundation, 2007B Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 28560. Carolinaeastfoundation.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory.