I am so very sorry to hear about Melissa’s passing and all that she has gone through these past 3 years. Leslie, what a strong advocate you have been for her - such a difficult position to be in, but your accounts of how Melissa moved through this disease, with you leading her care - you are an amazing sister!
I met Melissa through Gurnee District 56 and we have children the same age. Her ENERGY! I’ll always remember her joy and passion for everything she did, the fun we had at her countless Partylite events, the many school functions she helped me with in the PTO, her position at Bethel Pre School, her stint working with me at The Shanty😀 … we had so much fun! My heart goes out to all of you - Leslie, Nathan, Taylor, Micaela, Seth, Chad and Logan. Melissa was a bright light in this world, may she rest in peace.
I also knew Melissa through Gurnee Grade School as Michaela and my youngest son were the same age. She spent many hours volunteering at school and with the PTO. Her generous donations with PartyLite were always evident, constant and thoughtful. I reconnected with Melissa at River Trail School when her son Logan came to Kindergarten and I had the privilege of being his librarian for 3 years until they moved. Love, joy and energy always surrounded her! She also was an amazing, reliable sub for us and I was lucky to catch up with her during lunch time in the teacher’s lounge. She will be missed and left behind many warm, wonderful memories of a life well lived before her devastating diagnosis. Leslie, you are an amazing sister and she was so lucky to have you as her warrior woman. I hope your experiences can make a positive difference for those that come after Melissa. That would be the ultimate reward for all the suffering. Love to you and all of her family! Michaela, I can’t wait to see pictures of your beautiful baby! Your mom would be so proud! 💕
To Leslie - What a beautiful rendering of the last eight days of this awesome person's life, your sister, my niece. Thank you and my prayers to you and the Family. To Melissa - rest now! You were special, you were loved, you will be missed, and you are at peace.
Leslie. I certainly did not know Melissa well but my most vivid memory was her being this bright beautiful woman with such positive energy. Always smiling and happy to be alive. I’m incredibly sorry for her loss. Sending comfort, love and peace to you and the rest of her family. ❤️
This is heartbreaking. I knew this day would come eventually, but I didn’t think it would come so quickly. I thought we’d have more time. Leslie, I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, especially towards the end. What courage it took for you, but mostly, what love you had for her. Thank you for sharing this beautiful, but difficult journey with us. I have so many childhood memories with Missy that I’m going to cherish forever. I’m so happy to hear about the last words you shared with her, to go find Mom. I’m certain she already has. Love you all and I look forward to seeing you soon in Arlington Heights. Thank you for hosting that for all of us. All my love to you and especially the children. Love, Denise
Melissa and I were room Mom’s together at Gurnee Grade School. I will always remember her as sweet, energetic, beautiful inside & out…I’m so sorry for the untimely passing of Melissa & hope and pray her children & all of those who loved & cared for her will keep those loving, fun memories forever in their hearts ♥️
I met Melissa through Gurnee District 56 and we have children the same age. Her ENERGY! I’ll always remember her joy and passion for everything she did, the fun we had at her countless Partylite events, the many school functions she helped me with in the PTO, her position at Bethel Pre School, her stint working with me at The Shanty😀 … we had so much fun! My heart goes out to all of you - Leslie, Nathan, Taylor, Micaela, Seth, Chad and Logan. Melissa was a bright light in this world, may she rest in peace.