Megan E. Hare

Megan Elizabeth Hare, 39 years young, of Tysons Corner, Virginia, formerly of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, peacefully passed on to her heavenly home on Thursday, October 6, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Born July 11, 1983 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Megan was the beautiful and beloved daughter of Maurice H. and Judith Hopton Hare of West Grove, Pennsylvania, formerly of Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

Megan is survived by her “heartbeats” as she described them: parents, Maurice and Judith Hare; sister, Marissa Hare Ouaddafi (Abdallah); niece, Sabrina F. Ouaddafi; nephew, Marwan H. Ouaddafi, her adored puppy, Journey, and her partner in life and business, David L. Criddell.

Megan was motivated and inspired by music, words and people, which were woven throughout her life’s experiences including fitness, reading, entrepreneurship and travel. She displayed framed motivational quotes throughout her home to keep her focus on what she would achieve in life, both personally and professionally.

Megan started life as a bundle of energy and never lost her spark and vitality. She was running before walking, climbing bookshelves to get out of her crib and would swing and play all day. Megan loved all kinds of sports and activities, playing field hockey and basketball, excelling in gymnastics, performing with her trumpet, piano and many vocal choruses, and her true athletic love of softball. Shortstop was her favorite position which she played on many Caln AA teams including All-Stars. She was on Coatesville High School’s team for four years and was tri-captain her senior year in 2001. She continued to play as an adult in various softball leagues in Northern VA. Staying active and healthy was paramount for Megan.

Megan channeled her energy and passion into her studies, graduating from Coatesville High School in 2001 and then earning a B.S. in Exercise Science and Kinesiology at George Mason University in 2005 and a M.S. in Healthy Psychology from Walden University in 2013. After receiving her master’s degree, she wanted to expand her skill set and teach in a classroom setting, so she joined the teaching staff at her alma mater, George Mason, as an adjunct professor for 9 years. Throughout her working career she earned various certifications for teaching fitness classes, representing nationally known athletic programs and leading others through holistic teachings.

Megan worked at various fitness centers and the YMCA in the Washington DC area before joining the Fairfax County Park Authority in 2010. She was the Wellness Director at the Audrey Moore Recreation Center until 2017. Through this work and her devotion to helping others achieve a healthy lifestyle, Megan founded the “Power for Life Fitness” company in 2014 so she could connect with people on a personal level. Her partner, Dave, supported this business venture where they built the company, serving luxury apartment and condo buildings in the DC area, to a multi-dimensional amenity business supporting businesses in nine states with close to one hundred and fifty employees. In fact, less than a week before Megan’s passing, she was working on contracts and interviewing potential new employees!

Megan had an expansive network of family, both her own and her partner Dave’s, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and students. She was known to be magnetic, connecting to everyone she met in a way that felt special to that one person. She influenced hundreds to thousands of people to embrace life, find joy in every day and show up when it matters most. She was present in every friend and family milestone to show her support and loyalty to those relationships. Even though she was building an empire with her business developments, she never missed the personal moments, too.

Megan received an unexpected stage 4 metastatic small bowel cancer diagnosis at the age of 37. For someone who was physically, mentally and emotionally fit, this was a shock to everyone. She committed to the fight to extend her life from that first day of diagnosis and continued to live and work through many rounds of chemotherapy, cyberknife radiation treatments, infusions and attempted clinical trials. Throughout that time she connected with others to learn about their experiences, wrote a book that will be published posthumously, and fought to be present in many ways for her family and friends. Megan had a vision to be able to share her fights and wins more publicly, to benefit others, which is what fueled the development of her book.

Megan was predeceased by her Grandparents, Maurice J. and Mildred E. Wagner Hare and A. Kenneth and F. Eloise Marshman Hopton; her Aunt, Donna L. Hare and her cousin, Andrew K. Shepherd.

To continue on her journey of peace, her family has entrusted Harris Mountain funeral home in Coatesville, PA, Megan’s hometown, with her funeral arrangements. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 28th, from 6:00 to 8:00PM. Saturday, October 29th, a visitation will be offered from 8:45 to 10:45 AM with a memorial service beginning at 11 AM officiated by Pastor Tim Crans. In lieu of flowers, Megan requested donations to be made to the American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/SaveMoreLives or P.O. Box 896 Hershey, PA 17033-0896.

The family thanks oncologist, Dr. Shalini Dogra, supporting doctors, nurses and staff of Kaiser Permanente in Northern Virginia, as well as The Willow Tree Hospice in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Their treatment, care and compassion for Megan and her family throughout this health journey was needed and appreciated.

Megan lived a full life in her 39 years and accomplished many personal and professional goals. She had a zest for life that was contagious, making time spent with Megan memorable. Megan’s immense capacity to love and to be loved was immeasurable. Her family is grateful to have had Megan in their lives and will continue to hold her in their hearts and minds forever. 

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