Melissa was born on July 27, 1979 in Hartford, the daughter of William and Georgiann (Kasza) Iskrzak of Elgin.
Growing up, her family had called Enfield, East Hartford and Glastonbury home. A 1997 graduate of Glastonbury High School, Melissa went on to study at the University of South Carolina, graduating in 2001 with honors in Psychology and Sociology. She fell in love with South Carolina and never left. Ultimately, her entire immediately family followed suit and now all call the Midlands home.
Melissa held an avid love of horses from a young age and accomplished many ribboned Hunter-Jumper events in Connecticut including a Tri-State regional event in 1995. Ultimately making her home in Camden - the "Steeplechase Capital of the World", it all came full circle and made her big, bright smile beam.
Melissa had a dynamic career with Enterprise as a regional manager in the Southeast and then went on to the insurance and claims side with Progressive and Travelers. Her ability to handle multiple complex claims at once drew the admiration of many for her quick wit and strong work ethic.
Melissa had a kind soul and her generous spirit at times raised many an eyebrow. It didn't matter to her - as the Gospel of Luke says “Whoever has two coats should share with somebody who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”
She enjoyed bringing new people together, especially with her annual Friendsgiving gatherings, holiday cookouts and USC Gamecocks tailgates. She also loved rescue animals and gave many a loving home over the years.
In addition to her parents, she leaves behind her "greatest gift", her son, Brody Coy Jumper; husband, Wayne Mohrlein; sister and brother-in-law, Danielle and Kevin Robinson of Columbia, SC; a niece, Madeline; four nephews, Gregory, William, Hunter and Parker; her godparents, Ray and Maria Kasza of Melbourne, FL; and numerous extended family and friends.
The family will receive guests from 4 to 7 PM Friday, Nov. 13th at the D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter St., East Hartford. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday, Nov. 14th, directly at St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 178 Linwood Ave., Colchester. She will be laid to rest in the Mohrlein Family plot at the New St. Andrew Cemetery, Colchester.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Kershaw County EMS, 515 Walnut St., Camden, SC 29020 or to the Kershaw County Humane Society,128 Black River Rd., Camden, SC 29020.
