Megan Elizabeth McKinney

As her loving mother held her hand, Megan Elizabeth McKinney passed into the embrace of her Savior on October 1, 2025.  A lifelong resident of Roselle, Megan was 36 years old. 

***We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to 1:00 pm so as not to intrude on the family’s private viewing.***

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Sunday, October 5th from 1:00-4:00PM. On Monday, October 6th, at 9:45 AM, all may gather at the Church of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, 131 E.Edgar Road, Linden where a  Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00AM. 

Although Megan was born with significant disabilities, she was never defined by limitations; she lived her life with delight and joy. Megan attended the Kohler preschool and then was enrolled in the Lakeview School in Edison, a program of the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities.  There, Megan flourished as a student, leaving her mark on the hearts of all who knew her.

With great creativity, Megan used a variety of switches and environmental controls to perform a variety of tasks, including the design of captions of the 2011 yearbook, the year of her graduation.  She was a member of the bell and augmentative choirs and participated in Integrated Arts performances.  Lakeview School teachers, therapists and staff became a circle of support who encouraged Megan to discover her personal best.  Said one teacher upon learning of Megan’s passing, “I adored Megan, you could never be sad around her.”

To know Megan was to know her mother, Kathleen (Gesek) McKinney, who cared for Megan with endless love and strength.  The depth of their love for each other defies description; it was a holy devotion, filled with grace. Also left to cherish her memory is her Uncle Richard  and Aunt Filomena Gesek and several cousins, Rebecca, Lauren and Cynthia.  Megan’s loyal dog, Buddy is still awaiting her return home.   Throughout her life, Megan was assisted by many skilled care professionals and the gifts of their talent and compassion were invaluable.

Megan was a girly-girl who loved frilly dresses, pink stuffed animals, ribbons and bows.  Ice skating competitions with performers in glittering costumes were a favorite; she also was captivated by World Wrestling Entertainment- WWE!  Megan would watch the “smackdowns” with laughs and giggles.  Megan was also a football fan, cheering on game day with her grandfather John Gesek, who passed several years ago.  Megan is also predeceased by maternal grandmother Lillian Gesek and her father, James McKinney, Jr.

Megan lived her life with meaning and purpose.  Her friends thank God for the gift of Megan’s life; the simple joy and endless smiles that brought happiness to all who were blessed to know her. 

In lieu of flowers, donations should be directed to the Lakeview School, 10 Oak Drive, Edison NJ 08837 or online at www.NJID.org/donate.  These gifts will fund the newest project, Playzone, which will create an innovative, specially adapted playground for Lakeview students. Megan would have loved that…

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Megan Elizabeth McKinney, please visit our floral store.