Meghan Kieffer, a 2001 graduate of West Islip High School who embraced cultural diversity and had pen pals all over the world, died in a car accident on August 16, 2007. She was 23-years-old.

Ms. Kieffer lived in Clarendon, Virginia and worked for the BB&T Bank there. She was a passenger in the back seat of a car driven by a friend. They were heading to New York for a visit. While waiting to pay at a toll booth in, Delaware their car was hit from behind by a speeding van, the driver of which was arrested.

Born November 11, 1983 to Barbara and Bruce Kieffer, Meghan ran cross country track at West Islip High School. She graduated from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland, two years ago.

According to her family, she was adventuresome and loved life.

"She convinced me to send her to overnight, outof state summer camp when she was eight," recalled her mother. "I would encourage parents to let their children make age appropriate decisions for themselves."

Meghan also traveled to South Africa, China and Asia.

"I am comforted in that Meg lived her short life happily, and to the fullest."

In addition to her parents, Meghan is survived by her sister, Allie and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She reposed at the Claude R. Boyd Spencer Funeral Home in Babylon Village on August 20 and 21, 2007. A Funeral Mass was said August 22, 2007 at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, followed by interment at St. Charles Cemetery. Her organs were donated to help others live long and fuller lives, said her family.