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Meaghan Van Liew Obituary

Meaghan Fitzgerald Van Liew MT. PLEASANT - Meaghan Fitzgerald Van Liew, 46, of Mt. Pleasant passed away amongst family, unexpectedly, on January 25th. Her beautifully vibrant and selfless spirit touched many. Her proudest achievement and joy in life were her precious children, Tate Magellan (14) and Wyatt Bradford (12). Growing up in the north shore suburbs of Chicago, she spent her summers lifeguarding on Lake Michigan and was an avid athlete eventually completing the Chicago Marathon in 2005. She graduated from New Trier High School and received her BA in Anthropology and MBA from the University of Southern California. She began her professional career with Burson-Marsteller in Los Angeles. In 1998 she took on the challenge of entrepreneurship in securing funding and managing her then husband's around the world offshore racing campaign. She moved to Mt. Pleasant in 2001 and quickly fell in love with the culture and environment of the low country. Meaghan worked tirelessly and was successful in promoting campaigns for the Around Alone Yacht Race, the Velux Five Oceans, the South Carolina Maritime Foundation, Charleston Harborfest, Charleston Raceweek, the Charleston to Bermuda Yacht Race, Sailing Sclerosis, South Carolina Marine Association and was instrumental in the building and education programs of the Spirit of South Carolina Tallship. Meaghan is survived by her beautiful children Tate Magellan Van Liew and Wyatt Bradford Van Liew, her mother, Ann Fitzgerald and her father, David Fitzgerald as well as her sib- lings, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Mia Fitzgerald, David Fitzgerald, Briana (Scott) Rowland, Brendan Fitzgerald and her children's father Brad Van Liew. She was preceded in death by her younger brother Shea Landon Fitzgerald. She was the world's best "Aunt Meggie" to Tara (3) and Ford Rowland (1). Numer- ous aunts, uncles and cousins will also miss her dearly. Her loyalty, friendship, and unending support for those she loved was overwhelming. Friends are invited to join in a celebration of Meaghan's life on Sunday, January 29th at 3pm at the Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association 22100 Gratiot Ave., Eastpointe, MI 48021. www.aarda.org Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jan. 26 to Jan. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Meaghan Van Liew

Sponsored by Meaghan's Loving Family.

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Erin Parizek

February 3, 2017

Sending all my love and hugs to Uncle David, Aunt Ann, and my beautiful cousins. My heart breaks for your loss.

Tommy O'Brien

February 2, 2017

So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing, Wyatt. My thoughts are with you and your family. I can't imagine having to lose your Mom and how difficult it must be. Just know that I will be there for you whenever you need a friend. It's so sad, there are no words. I'm so very sorry.

Marisol Barajas

February 1, 2017

Briana, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Jill and Brian

January 29, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers for the family. Meghan was a beautiful soul and we are blessed that we were able to have her and her family in our lives.

Jenny Wells

January 29, 2017

As part of the "Around Alone" family, I had the pleasure of meeting and following the Van Liews. Meaghan was an awesome force of nature! So terribly sad th learn of her passing. In Peace, Jenny Wells of ThinkWells, Inc.

Tod Cleary

January 29, 2017

We will miss you forever, our LOVING thoughts!! Love Uncle Tod, Katie and Vita

Cyndy Hernandez

January 28, 2017

Such a life well lived. Meaghan will go down in history as a super positive, caring and always enthusiastic woman, who made everyone she touched feel special. Love to all the family, all the friends. That's what she was about. Hugs all around.

Chris Sosnowski

January 27, 2017

I met the Van Liews during the BOC Challenge in the mid-90s. Meaghan, then, as always, threw herself fully into whatever task she had. Then it was Brad's race. Later, it was their children and whatever endeavor(s) she had underway. Rarely was her smile absent from her face. She was the ultimate professional, yet down-to-earth. I was blessed to have had her in my life. Rest well, m'lady.

Ellis Sumner

January 27, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom Wyatt I will keep you in my prayers.
Ellis Sumner

Gitta Wombwell

January 27, 2017

So shocked to hear of Meaghan's passing. Was supportive of many of her involvements in the racing community. She was always friendly and had a positive outlook on everything she did. Condolences to her family.

Shirley Watson

January 27, 2017

Briana, Please know that I am praying for you and your family during this time of sorrow.

Troy LeBoeuf

January 27, 2017

In the ten years that I've known you, I never saw you without a smile. The world was a beautiful place with you in it. Sail on my friend.

Bruce & Donna Evans

January 27, 2017

Donna and I were devastated by the news of Meaghan's passing. We have so many great flying and sailing memories from her and Brad's days in Los Angeles. She was one of the most caring and enthusiastic and creative people we have ever met. Meaghan will be fondly remembered by a large group of old friends here in LA. What a loss and so very young, it's just awful. Our love to Tate, Wyatt and all of her family. Love and condolences from "Bruiser" and "Donna Carana".

Alysia Olshinski

January 27, 2017

The whole Charleston area and beyond is going to miss your beautiful and generous soul, along with that awesome smile. Thank you for everything you gave to all of us in your short time here.

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