Margaret "Meg" Kathleen Nelson Maurer
December 5, 1997 ~ March 5, 2019
Margaret (Meg) Kathleen Nelson Maurer, 21, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on March 5, 2019. She was traveling on spring break to hike in Georgia with her college friends when a freak accident occurred involving a runaway semi-truck tire. A Newcomb Scholar honor student about to graduate in May from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA, with a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology, Meg had a great passion for plants and wildlife. She was fluent in Spanish and studied howler monkeys as an intern last summer in Ecuador after finishing a semester of study abroad at the university in Quito, Ecuador. She also loved drawing, including scientific illustrations as well as other art. Margaret was born on December 5, 1997, in Park Falls, WI.
She is survived by her loving family, her parents, Mike and Tracy Maurer, and her brother, Thomas Maurer (Forest Lake, MN); paternal grandparents, Harlan and Donna Maurer (Larchwood, IA); her uncles, Mike Nelson (Cottage Grove, MN) and David Maurer (Larchwood, IA); a cousin, Ellie Maurer (New Ulm, MN); special relatives, Steven Dingman and Linda Thorndike (Green Lake, WI); and many other relatives and dear friends. Margaret was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Kendall and Lois Nelson, and aunt, Kathy Maurer. Memorials may be sent to Lakes International Language Academy in Forest Lake, https://www.gofundme.com/margaret-maurer-memorial, or the charity of choice.
Visitation 4-8 PM Monday, March 11th at Roberts Family Life Celebration Home, Forest Lake. A Celebration of Meg’s life 2 PM Tuesday, March 12th with visitation one hour prior at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. A memorial will also take place in New Orleans, LA.
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In junior high, Meg sat next to me in band class. We would share drawings we had drawn on the back of pieces of paper with each other and goof around when our section wasn’t playing. I once admired her ability to write in straight lines and she followed up with telling me she used to have to write with the help of a ruler to help her from writing crooked. Even though we lost touch in high school, I will forever remember her sharing poems with me and her ability to outplay everyone in the alto saxophone section. You will never be forgotten, Meg.
Meg (or “Mickey,” as we called her) joined me and my host family for a brief period while we were both studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador in 2018. Though I only knew her for a short month or so, she was warm, kind, and easily became close friends with both me and the rest of my college peers. The first night we met, I had come back from a group trip; she had recently arrived in Ecuador, and I was heading back to the US soon. I remember sitting up late with her, talking about what Ecuador was like. We shared our backgrounds in Spanish and the excitement she had for this new adventure abroad. She easily became friends with other international students and was quickly welcomed to our close-knit friend group from Kalamazoo College. I am so, so sorry for your loss, and I can’t imagine the heartache your family is going through. I hope that time brings you peace- know that Meg meant so much to so many people. The photo attached is blurry, but it’s from my birthday in January 2018, when our host family was celebrating around our family dining table. I’m so grateful for the friendship Meg shared with me.
When I first saw the post on the Tulane parent FB page that there had been an accident involving a girl named Margaret I was sad but felt fortunate that this had not hit close to home since I had never heard my son mention a “Margaret”. This morning I saw a comment on the same page, same post and it mentioned Meg….my heart sank. And I realized that this was a very close friend of my son’s since they started at Tulane together 4 years ago and in fact, I had spent time with her many of the times I had come to visit. Although I did not know her well, I had had enough deep conversations with Meg to know her. Meg was a tall stunning blond but didn’t seem to think that should be counted as a quality. She was smart, creative, mature and independent. I remember especially one dinner I had invited her and Blake to with my son and me at a favorite Italian restaurant. She shared with me her plan for the summer to intern in New Orleans and how it was an unpaid internship but how she had navigated the system at Tulane to find scholarships through the internship office to cover her housing, food, and transportation. I was so impressed with her. After dinner she invited us back to the house she had sublet for the summer….alone! So independent! She was an amazing girl. She was comfortable in her own skin and multigenerational. She got along with everyone. My heart is broken for her parents, Mike and Tracy and her brother, Thomas. You raised a beautiful very special girl and she will be missed by so many. Tonight my son, Noah, told me that he sat with Blake, Eli, and Oliver, friends of Meg’s since freshman year and he told me they tried together to process the huge loss of their friend. They really loved her. I am so sorry for this huge loss and pray that Megs memory will always be a blessing for her parents, brother grandparents and all her family and friends.
What stuck me most about Meg is that she really was a true advocate for so many. The world has suffered a great loss, not just for what she did, but for what else she would have accomplished .
Mike and Tracy, we were so saddened when we saw the news about Meg. I remember her high energy as a child when she would come over to play with Hailey. She was a sweetheart and so creative. She grew into such a beautiful woman and she was taken from this world way too early. Sending hugs to all of you – I wish there were more we could do! You raised a beautiful daughter who is now a beautiful angel. Sooooo sorry for your loss. Lisa, Kevin and Hailey Knoop
Tracy, I am so very sorry for you and your family’s loss. Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Know that you are in my thoughts. Sara Hoffmann
Tracy, I am heartbroken by the news of your daughter, Meg, and so deeply sorry. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts.
I am a Tulane Senior Mom. Our family is heartbroken for yours. Meg and our Daughter Emma Bassin met during Ignite 2015. She has told me what a quality human and eternal ray of sunshine she was. She told me a story of how Meg tried to take an old book out of the Library, for her thesis. She had forgotten her Splash card so Emma lent hers. Meg came back and said that the Library had no record of the book in their Collection. But, never mind it was perfect for her research. May Meg’s memory be for blessing. Audrey Adamson
Tracy and Mike, our hearts and prayers go out to you. I cannot even try to imagine what it would be like to lose a daughter as beautiful, talented and just beginning her life. May God help you through.
We want to express our sympathy and let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in God‘s promises in the Bible: (Isaiah 25:8) “He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.” (Rev 21:4) “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” May your loving memories and the Bible promises comfort you now and in the days ahead.
I did not know Meg but I feel her spirit and send sympathy to family and friends.I have driven along I-10 and it can be tricky but an inexplicable accident took this angel way too soon and there is little solace for so many now.In time,I hope you find some peace in knowing she made a difference in New Orleans and I have cabined in North Carolina mountains and am sorry she did not get the chance.
Meg Maurer was a unique and gifted student who we were privileged to work and learn with at Tulane. Meg embraced nature and art with her whole heart, and communicated her passion for science through ethnobotanical research and beautiful drawings inspired by her observations. In our last class on Friday she was the student who came up and personally thanked our speakers. Meg was unafraid to ask questions, explore new ideas, and go her own way. Meg brought joy to teaching. Think of Meg as you admire the flowers of spring.
I just read the article. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful young lady with a whole life in front of her. I will keep her family in my prayers. God Bless!
I had the privilege of getting to know Meg on a missions trip with our church to Rapid City, South Dakota, where we volunteered at the Suzie Cappa Art Center for adults with disabilities. During that time I realized how amazing Meg was. Meg became friends with several of the artists, had a willingness to help, and was extremely compassionate. She was artistically gifted, an amazing student, someone who was kind hearted, and exceptional in everything she did. She played the piano beautifully and was fun to be around. It’s difficult to understand why something like this would happen, but the one thing that I hold onto is that I know Meg had a personal relationship with God. God is watching over you and your family. Our condolences and prayers are with you. Chris, Kim, Jordan, and Sam Kohs
We as parents who also recently lost our son to a tragic random accident feel and pray for the family and friends. Memories and a great faith are the only things at this time to get you through this tragedy. Feeling angry is a natural part of the healing process. God is watching over you and so is our SON. The Farrell family Rochester NY
I learned of your beautiful and amazing daughter’s very tragic death through our neighbor here in Lake Wylie, SC. Her daughter is at Tulane in the Honors Program. I know there are no words of comfort for your family, but my sincerest sympathies to you, your entire family and the Tulane family. I am so very sorry. Anne G, Lake Wylie, SC
Jim and I felt as if we knew Meg from the stories told to us by our grandchildren Rowan and Livia. The memories were sweet and funny. We send you our deepest condolences and prayers. Please Dear God keep a close watch over the Maurer Family and hold Meg in the palm of your hand. May God Bless you,the family, and all of Meg’s friends and the close friends of Tracy and Mike.
Tommy please know we are praying for you . Meg was the very Best Big Sister and she will be forever watching And guiding you forever. Our prayers and condolences to you. Jim and Nance Wagner
I never met Meg but feel compelled to say how sorry I am for your loss. I stop at that same rest area 20 times a year at least. Could have easily been anyone. God absolutely needed her as an Angel. There is no other explanation. So sorry. God Bless🙏🏼
I have learned of Megs passing. I am in Tennessee but my husband is from The Gulf Coast, so what happened to Meg touched us in a personal way. As a mother, I can’t even begin to imagine the pain of such a tragic loss. My thoughts and heart are with the family of such a beautiful girl. It’s true our time on this earth is brief but one never should have to suffer the loss of a child. I do, however have a message of hope I would like to share. John chapter 5 verses 28 and 29 says, “for the hour is coming in which those in the memorial tombs will hear his (God) voice and come out….to a resurrection of life”. God, through his word the Bible gives us a real hope of being reunited with our lost loved ones. I hope this helps in some small way, and if you would like to learn more of our heavenly fathers promise, please feel free to ask….heliflygrl@yahoo.com…..my name isKaren .
Mike, Tracy, Tommy, So sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain you all must be feeling. Please know you have support and let me know if I can be of any. Again, I’m so sorry. Mike Sullivan
I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks our hearts when death separates us from the ones we love so much, especially when they are as young as Meg. The Bible reminds us that God sees our pain and sadness and has promised that soon, “death will be swallowed up forever.” (Isaiah 25:8) He will heal our broken hearts by resurrecting our precious loved ones to life again. (John 6:40) I hope your beautiful memories of Meg and these promises from God comfort you in the days to come.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We did not have the privilege of knowing Meg – but she sounds like an amazing young woman. Our daughter, Anna, is also a senior at Tulane. Our hearts broke for you when we read of the freak accident that took Meg. Meg’s family and friends will remain in our prayers. We pray for God’s comfort for all of you. Pam and Doug Johnson, Baltimore, MD.
I never met your amazing daughter – but felt compelled to reach out to you. How can we explain why? We cannot… and that’s what makes us feel so very lost. The pain is excruciating and yet we go on.. How is that possible? Yet we do.. I am sending you a letter that I received when I lost my father. I hope you find some comfort. May you find the strength you need to go on. I hope this cut and paste works and the entire letter will fit here. Will also attempt to attach. _________________________ Letter from Heaven To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say. But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I am writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with G-d above. Here there are no more tears of sadness, here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I am out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night. The day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through. G-d picked me up and hugged me and this is what He said. “I welcome you. It is good to have you back again. You were missed while you were gone. As for your dear family, they will be here later on. I need you badly, you are part of my plan. There is so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.” G-d gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight, G-d and I are closest to you…In the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.. Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that G-d has planned. If I were to tell you, you would not understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over. I am closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; But together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I would love it for you too: That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain; Then you can say to G-d at night… “My day was not in vain.” And now I am contented…that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low; Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way to go. When you are walking down the street And you have me on your mind: I am walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it’s time for you to go…from that body to be free. Remember you are not going…You are coming here to me. Author Unknown