Funeral Set For Fanwood Woman, Teacher Killed In Hit-And-Run

FANWOOD, NJ — Funeral arrangements have been set for the beloved Fanwood 35-year-old Meghan Crilly, who succumbed to her injuries and died Thursday at Newark University Hospital following a hit-and-run in Linden that happened 11 days earlier.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, Feb. 7 from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Lehrer Gibilisco Funeral Home, 275 W. Milton Avenue, in Rahway. Funeral mass will take place on Friday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianney RC Church, 420 Inman Avenue, in Colonia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Meghan to the Sharing Network Foundations 691 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974 or to the Associated Human society 2960 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753.

"It is with a heavy heart that we must inform everyone that Meghan has succumbed to her injuries. Her organs will be donated to allow her light and love to shine in others," according to an update posted on Crilly's GoFundMe page.
The site was set up on Jan. 23 and has already raised close to $58,000 of the $35,000 goal.

"The family is forever in your gratitude for the overwhelming compassion and support in their time of need. Your contributions will go towards her medical bills, funeral arrangements, and any balance left over will be donated. Additionally, for respect to the family over this devastation, we ask that you refrain from contacting any of them," according to the GoFundMe page.

Outpouring Of Support

"Our community is devastated over the loss of Meghan, we continue to keep her family in our prayers. Our hearts are broken," wrote one mourner on the GoFundMe page.

"This is such a senseless tragedy. We were college roommates and had grown apart but we spent countless hours together and I will never forget the fun memories of those simpler times. We had all been hoping for a miracle. We will pray for your comfort and peace," wrote another mourner.

Crilly is known known for her "beautiful spirit and a smile that brightens up any room she walks into."

Family and loved ones speak of her "bubbly personality and strong passion for life." She is a "strong minded young woman, who has a way of never letting anything or anyone get her down," according to a GoFundMe site set up in her name.

Crilly loved her job as an elementary school teacher at Beechwood School in Mountainside and was known for pushing her students to be the best versions of themselves. She was also due to accept an award in appreciation of her work.

Crilly also loved spending time with family, friends and Husky named Louie. She also loves to exercise and travel.

"So very sad to see this news. My dogs, Giggy and Candy, and I would often see Meghan and Louie on walks. We are both teachers and would chat a bit about school. Will miss seeing them. Her family and fur baby are in my prayers. So very sorry," wrote another mourner.

The Hit-And-Run

Crilly was hit while crossing N. Wood Avenue in the area of St. George Avenue in Linden just before 2 a.m. on Jan. 20.

The vehicle fled from the scene and has been identified as a red 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly with tinted windows and a sunroof, police said.

A new video with the wanted vehicle was released on Tuesday and Crimestoppers is also offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person responsible. Tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

Anyone with information on the hit-and-run is urged to contact Investigator Jimmy Solano at 908-474-8505.

• See Related: Fanwood Woman Dies As Search Continues For Hit-And-Run Driver
• Related: Family Of Beloved Fanwood Woman In Coma Face Tragic Decision
• Related: Community Rallies Around Hit-And-Run Fanwood Woman
• Related: Video Shows Jeep Wanted In Hit-And-Run Of Fanwood Woman
• Related: $10K Reward, New Video Released In Hit-And-Run Of Fanwood Woman
• Related: Fanwood Pedestrian Hit By Car, Hospitalized

(Image via GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch: Meghan Crilly. Videos via Linden Police)

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