Melissa C. Re

Melissa C. Re, 31, of Belvidere died January 8, 2015 at home surrounded by family and friends after a hard fought battle with lung cancer. Born June 15, 1983 in Rockford; she was the daughter of Francis and Debra (Syrjala) Re.

She graduated from Belvidere High School, where she was active in basketball, volleyball, and softball. Melissa attended Rock Valley College where she was active in basketball and softball. Attending OSF School of Nursing, she graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing. She then lived out her passion in life helping others in the Neuro/ICU at OSF St. Anthony Hospital. She also coached the sophomore girls’ basketball team at Harlem High School.

Melissa lived life to the fullest with travels to Mexico, Florida, and the Dominican Republic; where she went snorkeling, sky-diving, scuba diving, zip lining and swimming with dolphins.

Survivors include her parents, Fran and Debbie Re; siblings, Matthew (Lauren), Michael, and Meagan Re; devoted friend, Sheila Becker; aunts, uncles, Energetic Eight, special friends and her Pug, Zoey.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Kork Maz, Dr. Manley, nurses and staff of OSF Cancer Center, and Melissa’s former co-workers.

Funeral mass 10 a.m. Monday, January 12th, at St. James Catholic Church, 535 Caswell Street, Belvidere; Father John Earl officiating. Visitation 4 -7 p.m. Sunday, January 11th, at Sunset Funeral Home. Entombment at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be submitted at sunsetfhmemgardens.com