Written by Katie

There are so many memories that come to mind when I think of Maggie. One that sticks out the most is when we first began being friends. I met Maggie our junior year of high school in our A.P. U.S. History class. One day she brought a Pretty Pony coloring book. We spent our whole junior year coloring and doodling during our A.P. class. Needless to say I didn’t get the college credits for history.

​

But looking back at it now, she showed me how to make the best out of a terrible situation. We both were bored out of our minds in history, but I looked forward to class every day so I could color and hang out with her.

​

Maggie really taught me to appreciate the little things in life and to face every situation with a smile. Having her as a part of your life, you realize how short life really is and not to take anything for granted.

​

Even though she may physically be gone, she is still bringing beauty to this world.

​

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a beautiful butterfly.” – Proverb

​

Katie -WI Friend

​​Written by Dave

Maggie was the youngest of our three children. She had an infectious smile and a personality that could melt a heart. She was smart, full of energy, and outgoing. She was also sensitive, compassionate, and giving. She grew to be a beautiful young woman​​​​​​. When she was in high school she developed cancer. She battled her cancer for 5 years. During that time she became the role model. She was a human being with an unyielding spirit. Looking back, she amazed me by her courage and sheer determination. At her young age, one must do a lot of soul searching when faced with a life ending disease. Unlike many others, Maggie never asked, “Why Me”. Instead she challenged herself and asked, “How can I make a difference.” It’s that kind of power that pushes others to be best they can be! It makes you want to leave our world a better place to live in.

​

I have many fond memories of Maggie. However, my memories pale in comparison to the positive impact her life has had on others. She continues to teach me and others about love and compassion. Her life is a valuable lesson for others to emulate. That part lives on forever!

​

​My life has been much richer because of Maggie. It will never be the same. In the end I am reminded – It was the child guiding and teaching the parent, not the other way.

​

Dave - Maggie's Father

​Written by Melissa

​

One of my favorite memories with Maggie is when we were younger and shared a room. When we were supposed to be sleeping for the night, we would take turns telling each other funny stories. It wouldn’t be uncommon for either one of my parents to come in and tell us to be quite. When our family moved into a new house, Maggie and I were able to have our own rooms. As a teenager, I enjoyed the thought of having my own room. However, Maggie would still want to sleep in my room. She would beg and negotiate being able to sleep on my floor. At the time, I couldn’t understand why she would want to sleep on my floor when she had her own room. Looking back, I find her insistence to sleep on my floor endearing and a testament to our friendship.

​

Maggie has taught me many things, but the one thing that I hold close to my heart is to not sweat the small stuff. She had incredible grace through unthinkable situations. It is easy to get caught up in the little details of life, but in the end, those little things don’t matter. Maggie taught me that no matter what is going on, there is always something to be grateful for. No matter what you circumstances are, there is always something to smile about. Maggie may have been my younger sister, but she was someone that I looked up to.

​

Love,
Mel - Sister

​Written by Patti

Maggie used to come to the Make-A-Wish Wisconsin office to volunteer. She was especially good at computer work since several of our volunteers are not as tech savvy as Maggie was. So we were especially happy to have her around! Her beautiful, bright, shining face would greet us and she sat in a cubicle alongside the wall. She would happily do any job we asked of her: stuffing envelopes for mailings, computer work, wrapping gifts, organizing auction items. You name it; no job was too big or too menial for her to do. We would always “dish” about the latest fashion, celebrity gossip, good places to shop and eat, the Milwaukee Brewers and more! She was always “up” on the latest news. I was not!

​ 

We could tell when she wasn’t feeling well, yet that did not deter her! She’s say “bring it on”. When she could no longer come in to the office, she would ask for some projects to do at home… and we found some things for her to do. Her spirit was always shining. What a beautiful girl – both inside and out. I’m so happy to have her picture in my office as I stop and think about her many times a day. Her memory is a blessing for all of us lucky enough to have known her.

​ 

Patti - Make-A-Wish Wisconsin Office

Written by Ashley F.

Maggie was an amazing person to say the least. There are so many things I could say about her, about her life, and about how she’s impacted me. What I remember most about Maggie was her sparkling personality. She was always full of happiness and hope, no matter what the situation. Even while getting chemo, she had a smile on her face. Maggie showed me that no matter what the circumstances were, to always thing positive. Maggie taught me to cherish life, and enjoy every last bit of it.

​

Ashley F. – WI Friend

Written by Andrea S.

​

​

A memory that sticks out in my mind is taking a walk with Maggie around the subdivision when she was at a point where we had to push her in the wheelchair. Because even then, she was still"happy go lucky Maggie"!!! It reminded me I have more to be thankful for than I realized and how we take the little things for granted...

​
 

Andrea S. - WI Friend

Written by Sarah R.

It's incredible to reflect upon how relationships start -- to trace each one, step by step, back to its origin. They're built upon experiences and memories that can't be replaced, relived, mimed or forgotten. By nature they take us back. There are those, however, that have the capacity to do more by moving us forward...

​

Over and over again I've reflected upon my relationship with Maggie and very carefully traced back to where our relationship began. At the age of 11 grew an untouchable frienship marked by sleepovers, birthday parties, and inside jokes; favorite songs, favorite movies, and favorite shopiing malls; first-this's, first-that's, and first everything-in-between's. It's comforting to retrace the steps that I took with her, the same steps that I wouldn't take without her.

​

Yet today it's comforting to see Mrs. B. smiling from the front door, to be welcomed by the infectious attitudes of Chris and Andrea; to pet the ever-so-patient Princess Lola Ryan; to savor Mr. B's masterfull grill-work ; and to now be best friends with Melissa.

​

Thinking of Maggies always brings me back, one step at a time, to the best friendship a girl could ask for.

​

Thinking of Maggie also moves me forward toward the best relationships I've ever had.

​

Sarah -MN Friend

Written by Andrea

There are so many memories with Maggie; I don't know where to begin. Maggie was such an extraordinary individual with many characteristics that only a person like her could carry. She was remarkably bright, had a delicate sense of thoughtfulness and unbounded amounts of charisma. She was a daughter, sister, and friend, an advocate for Make-A-Wish, a creative in terms of style and fashion, and a spiritual rock for many. She had gorgeous long blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a voice that coule never be forgotten, I can close my eyes and hear her now.

​

The best memories I have of Maggie start from the beginning. It was my first time meeting my then boyfriend's (now husband) parents at their home right after Christmas, but before New Year's. I had driven many hours to be with him and his family and was quite nervous at what they would think of me. When I showed up at the door, unsure of myself, I walked in and was immediately greeted by a spunky and outgoing Maggie. She gave me a big hug, told me how great it was to finally meet me and invited me into their home. She made me feel warm, welcomed, and comfortable the minute I had met her. That was my first memory of Maggie.

​

The best memories of Maggie were during our family trips. Of course, most people will say that those are when Maggie was at her best! Traveling and experiencing life brought joy to Maggie's spirit and renewed her soul. The most memorable trip we took was to Cancun, Mexico in 2007. It was a family trip and I was so fortunate to be considered family at this time, which was a great feeling. During this trip, us ladies, Maggie, Barb, Melissa, and I, had the pleasure to lie on the beach, shop, relax, eat at resturants and enjoy each others's company while the guys were off exploring. This was one of the most enjoyable weeks spent with Maggie, where there wasn't a care in the world.

​

After Maggie had passed and Chris and I were making wedding plans, it only seemed right to go back to the place that brought us so much joy to our lives. We tried to plan everything in a way that Maggie would approve and wanted to pay a tribute to those times spent with Maggie. We got married in Cancun in 2010. I think everyone could feel her presence as we said our vows, as well as every day since she has left us.

​

Memories of Maggie come to mind often and it's easy to reminisce of the good times spent with her. Having her family and friends around is what she thrived on and in the end what kept her going. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her. I know she is in heaven and her spirit is dancing and I feel good about that.

​

With love,

Andrea - Maggie's Sister-in-Law