The family and community of Meredith “Meri” Isom Price are mourning the loss of a beloved educator, wife, mother, friend, and dedicated community member who died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 56. Meredith passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after bravely fighting injuries sustained in a tragic car collision in Portland, Oregon.
According to her family’s obituary, Meredith was a passenger in a vehicle involved in the collision on August 11 while she was visiting family in Portland. She survived the initial crash but suffered serious injuries and later died from those injuries on August 23.
Born Meredith Isom on April 27, 1970, in Portland, Oregon, she grew up alongside her two sisters and developed a strong sense of independence, curiosity, and compassion from an early age. She attended Uplands Elementary before graduating from Lake Oswego High School.
Her educational journey eventually led her to the University of Oregon, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English. She later completed a master’s degree in education at Lewis & Clark College, beginning a professional career that would allow her to influence countless young people.
Meredith discovered her passion for teaching while working at Hollenbeck Junior High School in East Los Angeles. That experience inspired her to pursue education more deeply, eventually beginning her high-school teaching career at Siuslaw High School in Florence, Oregon.
Over the years, her career took her to several communities. She taught in California and Oregon before moving with her husband, Kelly, and their family to Minneapolis and later Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most recently, she spent 15 years teaching English at Peters Township High School in Pittsburgh.
For Meredith, teaching was never simply a profession. She believed strongly in helping young people discover their voices, develop confidence, lead with empathy, and prepare for the future. Her classroom became a place where students were encouraged not only to understand literature and language but also to understand themselves and others.
Her influence extended well beyond the classroom. She oversaw the Interact Club at Peters Township High School, helping students participate in blood drives, coat drives, and other community-service activities. She also brought her family together to volunteer at the City Mission during the Christmas season.
At home, Meredith was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband, Kelly Price, and their children, Nicholas Price and Hannah Law-Price. She also leaves behind her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and many former students and colleagues.
Family was at the center of Meredith’s life. She supported her children’s interests and spent countless hours attending hockey, lacrosse, practices, tournaments, and games. Her family described her as one of their strongest supporters and someone who consistently made sacrifices to give her children opportunities to pursue their passions.
Meredith also had a deep love of nature, travel, reading, history, animals, and adventure. She enjoyed hiking, camping, long walks, discovering new places, and spending time outdoors. She was particularly fond of huskies and opened her home to animals in need, including her beloved dog Minnie.
Friends and family will also remember Meredith for her ability to make people feel welcome. She built lasting friendships wherever she lived and had a remarkable ability to turn neighbors and acquaintances into extended family. She loved bringing people together around her table and sharing stories, laughter, and meals.
Her death has left an enormous void for the people who knew her. Although her life ended unexpectedly at 56, the impact she made through education, family, friendship, and community service will continue through the many people she influenced.
A celebration of Meredith’s life is scheduled for August 29, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Canby, Oregon. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Husky Education and Rescue Team or a local library in her honor.
Meredith Price leaves behind a legacy built on compassion, education, service, and love. Her family and former students will remember a woman who spent her life helping others find their voice and encouraging them to become better versions of themselves.
At this difficult time, heartfelt condolences are extended to Meredith’s husband, children, parents, siblings, relatives, friends, colleagues, former students, and everyone whose life she touched. Her memory will continue through the lessons she taught, the people she supported, and the countless lives she helped make better.
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