Maureen Bye

Maureen "Meg" Erkenbrack Bye, age 69, of Pequot Lakes, passed away May 30, 2012. She was born February 6, 1943, in Oceanside, California, to Patricia Moran and James Compton. Meg graduated from JFK High School in Babbitt, MN, and the College of St. Scholastica, magna cum laude in mathematics, plus additional Master's degree studies in Organizational Development. Meg married Don Bye on October 2, 1969, on a duck-hunting trip to the Dakotas, their version of a "shotgun wedding".

Meg began her work life as a math teacher at Cathedral High School in Duluth, MN. Meg spent most of her adult life, personally, professionally and politically working for justice, equality and opportunity for all. Much of her work was focused on anti-poverty issues: affordable housing, food for those who are hungry, breaking down barriers for those with disabilities, or protecting victims of any kind of discrimination. She worked to encourage people to participate fully in the benefits and responsibilities of the democratic process. She served on many boards and commissions in seeking to address these issues.

Meg served on the Duluth City Council for 12 years, was the first woman president of the MN League of Cities, served on the National League of Cities Executive Board, the Duluth Share Food Drive for 13 years, and was Executive Director of the Arrowhead Food Bank. Meg was instrumental in setting up the Duluth Human Rights Office and served as its first director. Meg (and Don) helped found Shoreview House of Hope, housing for families with children getting medical treatment in Duluth. She served on the Governor's Crime Commission and was VP of the Minnesota Labor Interpretive Center board.

Meg loved politics and helping shape public policy; she was an avid gardener, an excellent cook, loved creating pottery, and was devoted to her family and friends.

Meg was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Moran, her stepfather, Merlyn Erkenbrack, and her daughter Ra'a Lyn.

Meg is survived by her husband, Don and son Dan (Vanessa), Pequot Lakes; stepdaughter, Valyr Bye; grandchildren: Kainani, Nicholas, Ayden, and Gena; 8 siblings: Harry "Dutch" (Jean) Erkenbrack, Coon Rapids, MN, Helen (Dale) Diessner, Virginia City, NV, Dixie Erickson, Eveleth, MN, Marlene (Bob) Bush, Wake Forest, NC, Marta Moran (Ken Bishop), Bolton, MA, Al Erkenbrack, Burlington, VT, Paula (Dave) Hero, Westboro, MA, Jan Erkenbrack, Twin Lakes, MI; 18 nieces and nephews; 23 great nieces and nephews; and special family, Donna and Dean Effinger, Duluth, MN.