A resident of East Lansing, Michigan, Melissa will be remembered for her kind heart, quiet strength, sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to her family. She had a gentle, nurturing spirit that shone brightest in the way she cared for children and animals.
Melissa found joy in life’s simple pleasures—spending time with loved ones in Ludington, losing herself in a good book, and sharing her keen eye for style, earning her the title of “fashion expert” among her family. Her thoughtful presence, steady kindness, and graceful nature left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Melissa was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Kathleen (Hamilton) Pawelec; her grandparents, Herbert “Bert” Hamilton and Verna Jean (Sheridan) Hamilton; and her grandmother, Victoria (Furtek) Pawelec.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted father, David Pawelec; her sister and best friend, Nicole Pawelec; her grandfather, Edward Pawelec; and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, and cousins, who will continue to carry her memory with love.
A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd. East Lansing, Michigan on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00 am; with the family receiving friends an hour prior to the start of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Melissa's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital , 262 Danny Thomas Place , Memphis, Tennessee 38105 US, https://www.stjude.org/; and Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 West Grand River Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48906 US, https://www.cahs-lansing.org/; causes close to Melissa’s heart.
