Margaret (Meg) Mary Brophy

Margaret (Meg) Brophy passed away on June 23, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of devotion, compassion, strength, and generosity. Meg was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose life was defined by the deep love she had for her family and by the many ways she gave of herself to others.

Meg is survived by her loving husband, John Gehrke; her son, Hans Gehrke (Nick); and her daughter, Sarah Valdez (Emilio). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Dylan Gehrke, Anthony Bisesi and Ethan Sproles.

She is also survived by her sisters, Kathleen Whitman (Ron), Mary Ray Brophy, and Hope Lesperance (Mark); her brother, Dan Brophy (Lori); her sister-in-law, Sue Haggarty (George); her brother-in-law, Bill Gehrke; and many cherished nieces and nephews who will remember her love, kindness, and gingerbread houses.

Meg was preceded in death by her parents, Hope and James Brophy; her sister-in-law, Joan Gehrke; and her beloved grandson, Dylan Gehrke, whose memory remained forever close to her heart.

Throughout her life, Meg built a successful career and was admired for both her professionalism and dedication. She worked for Young & Rubicam and later for Ford Motor Company, where she was respected for her intelligence, work ethic, and creative ideas. She brought that same determination and heart into every part of her life, whether in her career, her friendships, or her role within her family.

One of the most meaningful parts of Meg’s life was the creation of the Dylan Wish Memorial, founded in honor of her grandson Dylan. Through this memorial, Meg helped raise awareness and support efforts to find a cure for JMML, a rare form of juvenile leukemia. This work reflected who she was at her core—someone who turned heartbreak into action, and grief into a mission to help other families facing unimaginable loss. Her love for Dylan and her commitment to honoring his life will remain one of her lasting gifts to the world.

Meg will be remembered for her strength, her devotion to those she loved, and her ability to make people feel cared for and supported. She was the kind of person who showed up for her family, celebrated their joys, carried them through their sorrows, and loved them fiercely through it all. Her memory will live on in the family she treasured, in the many lives she touched, and in the work she did to honor Dylan’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family may request donations in Meg’s memory to the Dylan Wish Memorial to continue the fight against JMML and honor the legacy she worked so hard to build.

Memorial service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home in Lake Orion. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.