Mason.  Mom mom and I are very proud of you and the person you have become. We miss you all so much and love you more then you will ever know ❤️ 

I love you mom and I always will. I always know your looking down on me and in trying my best to make you proud. From ocean city board walk to Myrtle beach you were the funniest person alive. Every day from coming home from school I would look forward to watching goldbrugs with you, and making you fruity pebbles, Greatest time of my life. You make me push forward every day with a smile on my face. You always taught me to not give up and keep pushing, Like my patriot picnic, Even though you were in the worse conditions possible you still showed up. You made me be the person I am today. I hope your proud of me, And every decision i have made. I love you so much mom. 

love, Mason DeRita


We are so sorry for your loss. May Melissa’s memory & legacy remain with in those three beautiful children Kaylee, Mason and Carter. Your village is wide and strong and we are all here to support you through your grief and as you move onto your new normal❤️
The Montague Family 

Over the past few days I've read and heard a lot of stories from different people of how they met Melissa. This made me think of how I met her. It wasn't a specific date or a crazy story. We just were. She was immediately my best friend in elementary school. We could make each other laugh and we just understood each other.  I have so many great memories with her. From her birthday parties listening to the electric slide to wearing pleather pants to driving around aimlessly in Nellie. Melissa was and still is the hardest working most determined and loving person I know. The world is a little less fun without her here. Until we meet again Liss, I love you. 
♥️Schmelly 

Melissa was the best friend a girl could have.  In fact, she had about twenty best friends. She was the center and glue of our group of friends growing up. She was there to celebrate with you or was there if you needed a shoulder to cry on.  She was always cheerful and had such a positive outlook on life.  She had such a deep love for her family.  She was truly a great person with a beautiful soul.  With 20+ years of friendship, I have so many wonderful memories of Melissa.  I am so grateful that she was a part of my life. 

So to my beautiful friend Melissa, thank you for your friendship.  I will miss you dearly.  Rest in peace my sweet friend. I love you. 

Dear Melissa,
You were always my first “niece” rather than just my cousin’s daughter. Everyone looked forward to our “perky princess” coming to Aunt Evelyn’s family parties.  We could not be more proud of your accomplishments, the greatest being your children.  I admired your determination to keep fighting .  I didn’t contact you often since it was my way of respecting your time for recovery and cherished family time, but you were always in my thoughts and prayers.  I will close with a verse from one of my favorite hymns.
“ There is a place of comfort sweet, 
     Near to the heart of God.
   A place where we our savior meet, 
    Near to the heart of God.
   O Jesus, blessed Redeemer, 
    Sent from the heart of God,
   Hold us who wait before thee, 
    Near to the heart of God.”
Love, Aunt Carol 

Melissa was an inspiration to me.  She was kind and caring, funny and fun, she always had a positive attitude in the midst of impossible circumstances and her hugs made you feel how much she loved you.  She said that she knew her family would be ok and that she somehow knew she would always be watching over them.  Her memory and spirit live on in those who knew and loved her.  I see her loving heart in Ms. Penny and Mr. Will, her strength and will to carry on in John, her kindness and motherly spirit in Kaylee, her sweet and caring heart and fun loving demeanor in Mason, and her wild zeal for life in Carter.  And so so much more.  I miss her dearly but am thankful for the hope that Heaven gives us to be reunited with our friends and family eternally.  You are always in our hearts, Melissa.  Thank you for inspiring me to be a better mom and friend.
Love,
Katie

To  John and your entire family,
God Bless you and all of your family, may peace be with you.
Melissa is with our God King Jesus, she is in great hands.
God Bless
yr friend Chris Campbell & Family





To our Beautiful Daughter, 
From the moment you were born, you filled our hearts with love and joy.  Throughout the years you set your goals and accomplished so much.  You made us so very proud each and every day to be your parents.  When you became a wife and mother, your love for your children and your family only made us realize just how special you were.  Although your life was taken way too soon, you left us with so many fond memories that we will forever cherish within our hearts.  Your wings may have been ready, but our hearts were not.  Rest In Peace sweetheart.  Until we see you again.  Love, Mom & Dad

I love you Melissa, I always thought you were way too hot for me but you seen something in me. I finally figured it out maybe you seen how much I loved you the first time we met. Quarter beer night at Baja beach club, best 50 cents I ever spent. Who would have thought that investment gave me so much in life. Three amazing kids Bugs, Ma$e and Carter. Thank you for everything you have done for me. You made me a better person and I will always carry your strength. There is a huge hole in my heart but we will be ok because you lived your life for us. We will live our lives for you. I promised the kids to be a better dad and my only regret is that I can’t be a better husband. I am sorry for your loss Mrs. Penny and Mr. Will. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect her. I love you both and thank you for letting be in her life. Thank you to my uncle Thom, Sam N. and John B. For being there for me when I needed you most. Love you always and forever Noodleton.

Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences on the loss of your precious Melissa. She will always be with you through her children and all the wonderful memories you made.  Much love and Big Hugs being sent to you. RIP dear Melissa. 

Love, 
Roxanne  ❤️❤️❤️

Sorry for your loss...thoughts and prayers for the family 

I have always admired Melissa’s kind and caring spirit. She always lit up the room with her bubbly bright personality. We are so sorry for your loss.  We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts.

My heart goes out to John and the children.. They will know their mother by keeping her memory alive. My condolences as well to her parents and the rest of the family. I met Melissa in like 1999. She was a best friend to my closet friend Beth. Melissa was always happy and a ray of sunshine. She will truly be missed.

I met John when I was around 14 years old.  It’s been forever since I have seen or talked to him, so I never knew Melissa or his family.  I just wanted to give my condolences and let them know they are in my prayers.  I’m so sorry for your loss.  Life isn’t fair and this doesn’t make sense.  Way, way too young.  I am truly very sorry.  

RIP my sweet Melissa. Keep smiling down on us 

I remember my first day meeting Melissa at CAM. She was so fun and vibrant. She literally reminded me of sunshine... warm and inviting. Working with Melissa was both a pleasure and privilege. Keep shining MM. Sending love to your babies <3

John was my neighbor hood friend growing up on dundalk ave its been many years but hope you and your family remain strong and staind firm peace is always near.

We are so sorry for your loss of Melissa. Our hearts are breaking for you all.  It was so nice to reconnect at Disney.  Hold all your memories close to your hearts.  We pray that you find some comfort in the days to follow.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.  Rest in Peace Melissa.  💔
Love,
Donna, Tonia and Jenna

To the family: Our hearts are breaking for you all during this difficult time. We will all miss Melissa terribly. Our little community is a network of loving moms, so this family is in good hands and Melissa will be watching over and guiding us always. 💗 Our deepest condolences. 

OBITUARY

Melissa Middleton-DeRita

October 9, 1982 – June 30, 2019

Schimunek Funeral Home

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