Megan Houst

People with red hair are often seen as being adventurous. They tend to be creative and artistic and have a love for exploration and travel. People with red hair also tend to have a fiery temperament and can be quick to react emotionally. They are often perceived as being passionate and intense. Megan Catherine Houst (nee Carr) was all those things but also sensitive, thoughtful, and loving. Most of all, Megan was continually introspective, always examining her thoughts and feelings and molding herself into the best person she could be, not only for others, but for herself.

At just 35 years of age, Megan moved on peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2024 to her next role as Angel. Here with all of us, Megan was a wife, dog mom, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, niece, aunt, yogi, and friend. The recent birth of her niece Natalie Marie Carr was life changing for her.

Megan, a South Jersey native, was the daughter of Diane Bargas (Dan), wife of Patrick Houst, dog mom of goldendoodle, Lucy and chocolate lab, Seamus (deceased), older sister of Matthew Carr (Holly) and Hannah Dodimead (Andrew), daughter-in-law of Kevin Houst, Maureen Houst (deceased), sister-in-law of Brian Houst (Blaine) and Meaghan Buttel (Kevin). As well, Megan was a niece and cousin to so many.

Megan attended Winslow Township schools until sixth grade and completed her education in Shamong Township School District, and Seneca High School inTabernacle, New Jersey. Her Stockton University degree and her masters from Villanova University led her to her career in accounting and resulted in her most recent position as an Accounting Manager.

Megan accrued many friendships during her time in New Jersey. However, when she flew the coop in Shamong and landed in Annapolis, she found her true self. Megan’s trajectory, Lucy, and Seamus’s trajectory actually led her to meeting the love of her life, Patrick. Through Patrick, family, new and old friends, and her own drive for experiences, Megan blossomed.

Together, they built a life full of more experiences in eight years than most people can imagine in their lifetime. Megan stepped out of her comfort zone and into a place where she took risks and let people into her life. This was where her true self emerged. Many people had an instrumental influence on Megan’s quest; however, through the help of a loving, insightful woman, Duffy Perkins, Megan became empowered and also became theredheaded_yogi, a role she was most proud of and in which she took solace.

Megan’s diagnosis of stage IV colon cancer in 2022 only ramped up her desire to do more and be more. She shared inspirational, soul- baring posts about her journey and treatment without once looking for sympathy or pity. She developed a “Things to Look Forward to List” which included so many experiences and loved ones. Some highlights included: Peloton rides in the studios of England and New York City, washing an elephant in Florida, a day and night among giraffes at Longneck Manor in Texas, a hug of support from Lizzo at a concert, a shout out from Mariska Hargitay (Captain Benson of Law and Order SVU, her favorite show), support and wish granted from the Dear Jack Foundation, appearance on the Elvis Duran Show, Podcast on Changing Platforms, California trip including Ed Sheeran Curebound concert, broadway shows, and quieter retreats with family and friends at the beach. The culmination and highpoint of Megan’s experiences though, after four concerts in four cities, Megan met Ed Sheeran on May 22 in Brooklyn. Sheeran’s songs embodied her journey and brought her joy and comfort.

Megan made an impact on so many lives, many of whom she’s never met. Sharing her battle with colon cancer was not only selfless and eye-opening, but also lifesaving. Megan would want us to grieve, but she also left us with a clear message: life isn’t guaranteed, so get to living it!

Megan’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at The Annapolis Maritime Museum: 723 Second St. Annapolis, MD 21403.

Following the service, the celebration of life will continue at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Megan’s name to

The Dear Jack Foundation

at https://give.dearjackfoundation.org/give/162678/#!/donation/checkout

or

The Annapolis Maritime Museum.

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