Melissa Zavala

Melissa (Neill) Zavala was born May 19, 1978 and lost her battle with leukemia on July 27, 2012. She leaves behind her husband Michael and sons Cody (age 3) and Zachary (age 11 months). She is also survived by her mother Mary; brother James and his wife Karmel and their children, her mother-in-law and father- in-law Cynthia and Antonio and their children.

Mel, as she was known to everyone, was a very vibrant person with a zest for life. She played soccer in high school and college including an AYSO trip to Russia. She refereed soccer including club and high school. Snowboarding was another passion and she was even fortunate to take a trip to Whistler, Canada. She loved spending days boating and wake-boarding with her family and friends. In true "Mel spirit" she took up ice hockey and of course she had to play with the guys - she was never to be outdone and had the most competitive spirit! Most recently she learned to shoot a compound bow and it quickly became a new passion. She jumped into everything she attempted wholeheartedly and at full-speed.

After graduating from Norco High School (1996), Mel attended RCC and then moved on to Cal State University, San Bernardino where she graduated in 2002. Mike and Melissa were married in 2006. Their son Cody was born June 9, 2009 and Zachary joined us on August 11, 2011.