Melissa Byrne

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Melissa "Missy" Byrne, who passed peacefully on May 30, 2026 at the age of 53, but only after meticulously being certain to bid fond farewells to her family and friends.

Missy was born in Plainfield and raised in Colts Neck, New Jersey. She attended Red Bank Catholic High School and Villanova University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in nursing. Following college she relocated to South Florida.

Missy embraced her life's calling to be a nurse with compassion and brilliance. For more than 12 years she worked as a nurse and Clinical Educator at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. As the charge nurse she led by example, never asking anyone to do what she hadn't already done herself. Doctors, administrators, and staff admired and respected her competence, empathy, and dedication. Her patients loved her, especially for her friendliness and sense of humor. Whenever there was a challenging medical situation to address, Missy was the first to be called on. And she never failed. To her friends, Missy was their family doctor. Anytime anyone had any kind of illness, the first person to be called was Missy.

Missy had a heart of gold and an enduring instinct to put others before herself, no matter who that person might be. She was a natural born caregiver. Her friends were many, each of whom treasured the time they spent with her. Missy enjoyed life's simple pleasures ---- a good Italian dinner, a favorite song, or playing with her dogs surrounded by her family or friends. Missy was as "down to earth", humble, and as honest a person as anyone could be.

Missy's defining trait was her inner strength which shone brightest in the face of her own oftentimes debilitating illness. She met each challenge to her health, and there were many, with remarkable courage, resilience, and grace. She was the fiercest of fighters. She never let her illness define her. And she didn't decide to leave us until she was satisfied, she was ready.

She is survived by her loving husband Stephen and her beautiful daughter, Frankie, both of whom she loved more than life itself as well as her devoted brother, Sam.

Missy was predeceased by her parents, Frank "Buddy" and Ellen Del Presto. She was raised in a family marked by a warmth and spirit that would come to define her life.

Missy will be remembered for her devotion, compassion, courage, and unwavering love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and generosity of spirit. Her memory will be a blessing for all who had the privilege to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Lupus Federation of America:https://www.lupus.org/