Malinda Marina-Lee Meyer

Malinda Marina-Lee Meyer, 19, of Oak Park, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly while attending the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, on November 6, 2025. She was born on June 6, 2006, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and was the treasured daughter of Kimberly Meyer, granddaughter of Don Meyer and the late Marilyn Meyer, and niece of Kent Meyer.

Malinda was a 2024 graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School and a sophomore at the University of Dayton, where she was studying Communications. She was an energetic member of the running community—part of track, cross country, and the University of Dayton Running Club—and 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 fun, 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. Malinda loved working for the Oak Park Park District 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, on earth, we know she was tenderly welcomed by her in heaven, with loved ones Patti, Howard and Lavina joining her. Malinda’s light and love will continue to shine in all who knew her.

Memorial Visitation 1:00pm - 4:00pm Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home 7319 W. Madison St., Forest Park, Il where a Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00pm.  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, Illinois.  Info. 708-366-2200 or www.ZimmermanHarnett.com.

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