Melissa was truly a force of nature. She had a way of living life on her own and was determined to enjoy every moment of every day. She brought passion, energy, and personality into everything she did and left an unforgettable impression on people fortunate enough to have known her.
Melissa was blessed with a long and meaningful career in the mortuary industry, a profession she devoted many years of her life to. Her work was an important part of who she was and through it she touched lives of countless people.
If you knew Melissa, you knew of her passion for traveling and her love for the San Antonio, Spurs. But her enthusiasm for sports didn’t stop there. She had a genuine love for all sporting events and could always find something to cheer for. Whether traveling, watching a game, or simply enjoying time with the people she loved, Melissa knew how to make the most of every moment.
We can all honor Melissa’s memory by following her example: “live fully, love fiercely, travel often, cheer loudly, and never take a single day for granted. Most of all, enjoy every moment of every day”. Just as Melissa did.
She was preceded in death by all grandparents who loved her; niece, Erica Nicole Smith; father, Robert William Smith; aunt, Janice (Jim) Dillon; and uncle, David Smith; her in-laws, William J. and Phyllis A. Donovan, sister-in-law, Linda A. George, Lynn Ann Donovan, and Michelle Donovan, brother-in-law, William M. Donovan, Jesus S. Inclan, and Adrian J. George II.
Melissa is survived by her husband, James M. Donovan, mother, Marie Ann Smith; sisters; Karen Sue Smith Zamora (Eddie); Stephanie Smith Gastrell (Roger); brothers, Robert W Smith (Lisa), Shawn Smith; uncle, Tommy Pawly (Laura); aunt, Carol Smith; in-laws Sharon L. Inclan, John J. Donovan, Robert J. Donovan and wife Linda, Lisa A. Donovan, Cynthia A. Faulkner, Carolyn A. Donovan; and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.
She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever caring in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
