Aidan Glen McGonagle

Aidan McGonagle was born on June 26, 1997 in Austin, Texas, and passed away on October 16, 2021 in Round Rock, Texas. Autism and epilepsy made his life more difficult than most. Aidan was a gift and a blessing to all those who knew him. He was a positive, intelligent, optimistic, and compassionate person who loved being with others and meeting new people. He loved the outdoors and hiking the trails all around Central Texas. He also enjoyed visiting beaches in Texas and Florida. He enjoyed history and proudly cast his vote in the 2020 presidential election. Two organizations were instrumental in his life: Helping Autism through Learning and Outreach (HALO) [Halo-Soma.org] and Brookwood in Georgetown (BiG) [Brookwoodingeorgetown.org]. Soma Mukhopadhyay embodies HALO. She began teaching Aidan at age seven how to use language to communicate. He was nonverbal, but with Soma learned to point to letters on a stencil (letterboard) to communicate his thoughts, both simple and profound. We had no idea how much he understood of the world around him until he began expressing himself using the letterboard in ways we never dreamed possible - “I want to eat in a Mexican restaurant.” Restaurant? You know how to spell restaurant?! Aidan began writing stories and poems and was learning age-appropriate academics for the first time. Miraculously, he was now able to articulate his thoughts and feelings and show his intelligence! Aidan graduated from Vandegrift High School where he was mainstreamed into many academic classes. He then entered vocational/life skills classes but quickly became bored. All young people with disabilities “age out” of the public school system by age 22. And those who are unable to pursue higher education or enter the workforce in a traditional job often struggle to find a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. Aidan wanted to live as independently as possible. So, he chose at age 20 to move into a group home in Georgetown, Texas. He was so happy to now be living with other people with disabilities. The second life-changing event for Aidan was when he started to work at BiG, a God-centered vocational program and community for adults with special needs: the Citizens of BiG. BiG provides an entrepreneurial environment that creates meaningful work, builds a sense of belonging, and validates dignity and respect. All the BiG Citizens create beautiful and delicious products that are sold in BiG’s gift shop and cafe. Aidan took great pride and found meaning and purpose by working with his friends at BiG. Aidan enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, watching favorite movies, and playing games on his iPad. But most of all, he loved hanging out with friends and family. He also loved his dog, Colin, the best birthday present he ever received. The two of them had a special bond. If Aidan was upset or had a seizure, Colin stayed by his side. Aidan was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Austin. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Sara and Chris Cotter; father and stepmother, Brian and Teresa McGonagle; siblings Claire McGonagle, Grayson DeChant, Andrew Cotter, Sean & Kaitlyn Cotter; Ashlyn DeChant, Nick DeChant; grandmother Betty Groepper; uncles and aunts Bruce McGonagle and Tia Sea, Ron and Brenda Rusk, Karin Groepper, Nancy and Eric Bostrom, and Stephanie and Mark Cotter. And Aidan’s “second family,” Patricia and Francis “Sanch” Sanchez; and sons Jay, Al, Jed and Lam; and many more relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Beth and Jerry Rusk, Doris McGonagle, and Rod McGonagle. Many people who worked with Aidan as a therapist, aide, caregiver or job coach, have told his family that they grew themselves through their relationship with him. We can be comforted by the fact that he’s now freed from all limitations and is talking and laughing with his grandparents in Heaven. In remembrance of Aidan’s life, the family requests that contributions be made to Brookwood in Georgetown, in lieu of flowers. A live stream of Aidan's Celebration of Life will be hosted by St. John's United Methodist Church through Facebook. Please join using the following link: https://fb.me/e/Z5ukBzwM. A Facebook account is not required in order to watch. If a pop-up window appears asking you to log in click "not now" and the live stream will be available for you to watch. If the "not now" button does not appear, scroll down on the page and it will come up for you to select. **The family requests attendees of the Celebration of Life either have a negative Covid test within 72 hours of the service or wear a mask.**

Aidan Glen McGonagle

June 26, 1997 - October 16, 2021