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I met Melissa more than 45 years ago when she came to work in Wake County Child Nutrition Services. Through the 20 years at work, we developed a friendship that has last forever. We were there for each other always. When Andrew was traveling Europe, Tim was on a work trip to England and delivered clothes to Andrew while he was staying in a hostel in London. My son (Eric) had on his Christmas list a book that Melissa knew the author and she got him a copy of the book with a personal note to Eric from the author. When Linda married, the “child nutrition family” came together to assist in a beautiful wedding reception on the lawn of Duke Memorial Church in Durham. When my daughter Heather was getting married, Melissa with my sister hosted the most beautiful bridal breakfast on the morning of the wedding at Melissa’s home. Melissa and Eric planned a fabulous trip to Ireland in September 2005, for friends who wanted to go to Ireland and see it through the eyes of Melissa and Eric. It was the most wonderful 14-day trip for all of us – not missing anything- from the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, Giant’s Causeway, Belfast and Armagh, and even Sunday services at Knock Methodist Church. A visit to Belfast City Hall was a special treat not available to many. Then there was Dublin, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, and the National Cathedral of St. Patrick-Dublin. The trip was incredible- all because of Melissa and Eric. Jane Bass, Melissa, and I had many great trips together over the years. It included Washington, DC, Oak Island, NC, Charlottesville, VA, New York City, Lake Junaluska and more! Wherever we would go, Melissa was always like a sponge – soaking up every moment. On a National Legislative trip to DC for child nutrition, we had appointments with our senators and house representatives. This thrilled and excited Melissa more than most. When she saw Senator Patrick Moynihan, from New York in the basement of the Capitol where a train transported the senators and representatives from their office building to the chambers for votes- Melissa almost ran him down to shake his hand and thank him for all he did for social issues and advocating for family support. Senator Moynihan was famously for stating – “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” We were just glad the senator’s aids did not have Melissa arrested! After Melissa’s retirement we continued to be together. One Christmas, Jane, Melissa, and I got together, and we all made batches of Toffee for Christmas. On several occasions Melissa would drop by while my grandkids were over making and decorating Christmas cookies. On our digital photo frame, my daughter Heather loaded many pics for us. One of those pics is Melissa holding Heather’s first child. So, so special. Melissa is all over our home with her “Southern Living at Home” merchandise! I remember her parties with much joy! What a job! Even as Tim and I, “downsized” to move to our CCRC, I found it impossible to let some of the beautiful vases go! While Melissa was phenomenal at this, it was much physical work, but she hung in there for quite a while. While Melissa was in Florida, I so enjoy all our telephone calls – usually weekly with Melissa doing the calling. She told me not long after she moved that it would be easier for her to call me because she was so busy with all her classes and activities. The calls were so special. We stayed caught up with our children and grandchildren. For years my sister, brother-in-law, Tim and I would visit my brother in Ormand Beach in late February or early March each year. We stopped each trip for a visit with Eric and Melissa which was always a treat. Melissa would always introduce us to each person we saw as her friends from NC who were there for a visit! It was always such a treat to get to visit with them. Our last visit was March of 2025. Farewell my dear, dear friend. I miss you.

The time of passing of Melissa brings back many remembrances of Christmas in Mountmellick.At least 20 to 25 for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.The beautiful turkeys in the yard for the Christmas market. The end of a era and strange by accident on business i passed the shop yesterday. The day Melissa in the river behind the yard when she carried Fran Matthews on her back to Doctor Flood as he had his foot cut on glass under the Nuns Bridge. I am sure she had a good heart for those struggling in life. Sadly i feel the America both she and Eric come to in 1972 is a far cry from the sad America of today. The image of Melissa and Eric that i know always had Cead Mile Failte.I wish good health and prosperity to all her family. William Honner

The most amazing Nana I could have ever asked for, my life is better for having had her in it. Some of my fondest childhood memories include her: pancakes at Joey’s, bike rides to the soda machine at the lake, walks together through the Susanna Wesley Garden, tea parties, trips to Marbles, and the most wonderful dress-up bin that I would think about the entire drive to Raleigh. She had a unique ability to make everyone around her feel deeply special and loved, and I remember feeling like the coolest and fanciest kid in the world when she asked me to help set her beautiful table for special occasions. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders, and while she is deeply missed, she created memories that I am truly blessed to hold onto.

Melissa showed her enjoyment and care for others in such a natural and humble manner. She blessed me with a warm smile from the very first meeting and that is how I best remember her -- being a caring, warm and welcoming personality. She seemed to be able to excel in all she did or even tried! And she would easily teach you if you wished to learn. We had a mutual friend that kept us more closely tied and I'm grateful for the opportunity to get to know Melissa more fully. May she be remembered for all the lovely way she interacted with all she met - irrespective of age.

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I will always remember Nana taking Jordan and I to Krispy Kreme for donuts in Raleigh every time we visited.