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Melissa Olivia Medeiros

December 22, 2011

July 13, 1978 – December 22, 2011

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Melissa Olivia Medeiros announces her peaceful passing after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis on December 22, 2011 at the age of 33 years.

Melissa will lovingly and forever be remembered by her son Joel, the light of her life, her mother Patricia, her father Laureano, her Auntie Mary-Lou, her sisters Kathy (Craig), Debbie (James), Laura (Michael), and Jenny (Jonathan) and her brother Mario (Kathleen). She was a devoted and much loved Aunt to many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her. We are so proud of the person she was and how she handled all of life’s challenges. Melissa inspired so many with her beautiful, brave spirit, her radiant smile

and incredible strength of will and determination. She handled her illness with dignity, grace, and her ever present humour.

Melissa was an excellent athlete in her school years and excelled at many sports including track and field, volleyball, soccer, basketball and baseball; even being awarded “Best Athlete”. Melissa loved family, music, dancing (especially in the rain), the ocean, fashion, and photography. She loved asking strangers to have their picture taken with her and has a collection of photographs that proves no one ever refused. Her sense of fun often included wearing a tiara in public and she was often referred to as “Princess”. She travelled to England and France, even climbing the Eiffel Tower and lived a full life in her 33 years. She often said she had no regrets. In January 2011 her wish to move to Nanaimo to give her son Joel a better life was fulfilled.

We thank the ICU team at NRGH for the incredible care she received when she first came to the hospital. Special thanks to the Respiratory Technicians who visited her each night and never appeared to be rushed despite the demands of their work. Thanks also for making it possible for Melissa to leave the hospital and spend some time at the ocean with family.

To the angels at the Palliative Care Ward, our deepest appreciation to Dr. Robin Love and all the wonderful staff and hospice volunteers for the dignified, compassionate care, respect, and friendship Melissa received during her stay there. You’ll never know how much you have meant to our family over these many months. We shall miss your comfort.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to a fund established at the RBC Royal Bank, Account #03180-003-5078001, to provide for the care and education of Melissa’s son Joel.

Fly with the angels our dear, sweet, precious Melissa. You shall forever be in our hearts and minds. You are truly loved by all. Until we meet again. Enjoy your pizza!

Cremation by request, with a celebration of life to be held on January 16, 2012 at 5112 Carol Place, Nanaimo, BC from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. At Melissa’s request, please dress in white.



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