Malinda Marina-Lee Meyer, 19, of Oak Park, died unexpectedly while attending the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, on Nov. 6, 2025. Born on June 6, 2006, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, she was the treasured daughter of Kimberly Meyer, granddaughter of Don Meyer and the late Marilyn Meyer, and niece of Kent Meyer.
A 2024 graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School and a sophomore at the University of Dayton, she was studying Communications. An energetic member of the running community — part of track, cross country, and the University of Dayton Running Club — she loved mentoring kids through the College Mentors for Kids program.
Malinda’s friends and family will always remember her as fearless, resilient, and full of life. She loved adventure, whether biking, trying pole vaulting, or even luge. She had a big heart for animals, especially her pets, Gracie and Ollie, and she adored corgis of every kind.
Her creative side shone through everything she did. She enjoyed good food (pasta was a favorite), eating out with friends, and expressing herself through her unique fashion sense. She loved working for the Park District of Oak Park this past summer and could light up any room with her sense of humor and positive energy. Her favorite movie was Coraline, and she was unforgettable as Lady Gaga last Halloween.
Kent remembers holding her when she was a baby and looking up to her ever since. Don remembers painting and baking Christmas cookies with her. Those memories, filled with laughter and warmth, perfectly capture the spirit of who Malinda was — kind, curious, and ready for anything.
Though she never met her grandmother, Marilyn, we know she was welcomed by her in heaven, along with loved ones Patti, Howard and Lavina.
Memorial visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 W. Madison St., Forest Park, with a Celebration of Life at 4 p.m.
Reflecting Malinda’s lifelong love of all creatures great and small, the family suggests memorials be directed to the Animal Care League (www.animalcareleague.org) in Oak Park.
