Meg Young

In the early morning on November 18, 2024, Meg Young departed this life with her husband, Grant, by her side, finding release from the bonds of a long illness. She was 44.

At Meg’s request and to smile on her memory, there will be a joyful gathering of family and friends at Christopher’s in Beaverdale (Des Moines) on Friday, December 6, from 6-8 p.m. 

Meggie Menzies Morgensen Young was born on September 1, 1980, in High Point, NC, to Tom and Jean Morgensen.

Meg grew up in High Point, graduating Andrews High School in 1998. She attended UNC-Chapel Hill, earning a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications in 2002. After college she held various roles across multiple firms, but her true passion lay in advocating, speaking, and writing for individuals with life-altering disabilities such as Multiple Sclerosis. This mission was deeply personal following her diagnosis with the disease at the age of 24. 

On May 14, 2016, Meg married Grant Young in Des Moines. Her determination in facing the challenges of walking down the aisle was highlighted in a profile by The Des Moines Register. True to her spirit, Meg faced the moment head-on, placing one foot in front of the other to exchange rings and say, “I do.” The couple was later blessed with a second celebration at Gray’s Lake in Des Moines, when they invited friends and family to join as they renewed their vows on May 27, 2023.

Beyond her advocacy work, Meg embraced life’s joys with an open heart. She found delight in art, cheese and wine, ice cream, tennis, snail mail, fashion, rescue animals, volunteering, reality TV, and reading. Some of her favorite memories included a cherished trip to France with her dear friends Joe and Hodges, countless visits to her beloved beach, and savoring the beauty of the world around her.

Meg was vivacious, fun, and the life of the party. She had a remarkable gift for making friends effortlessly and took joy in connecting those around her. Her circle of friends was ever-growing, and she deeply cherished and valued each relationship. Known for her empathy, love, and care, Meg was one of a kind—a bright, irreplaceable spirit who will be profoundly missed.

Meg was especially thankful for her loving hospice care team, Erin, Jen and “The Hollys.”

Left to cherish her memory include her husband, Grant; her parents Tom and Jean; brother Michael; and scores of family, friends and supporters from across the country. She was preceded in death by grandparents Don and Fran Morgensen, and Paul and Ethel Menzies; and an aunt, Diane Morgensen. 

In lieu of flowers and at Meg’s direct wishes, memorial gifts can be directed to the family to establish a fund dedicated to financially assist pets owned by individuals who are chronically or terminally ill, disabled, or homebound. Meg’s animals were an additional care team throughout her life. She was especially excited to have her memory carried on by helping others care for their pets while on their journeys.