MELISSA TURLEY Obituary
Age 25, on Wednesday December 16, 2009 formerly of Swissvale and Kittanning; loving daughter of Raymond P. Turley and Lorri Simmers and her husband Ed; dear sister of Sean Turley, Trista Simmers, and Drew Simmers; granddaughter of Herb James and the late Mary Eva James, Elmer and Edith Simmers and the late Patricia and Bernard Turley; also many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Family to receive friends on Sunday 4-8 p.m. at the THOMAS L. NIED FUNERAL HOME INC., 7441 Washington Street, Swissvale. Memorial service to be held on Sunday at the funeral home 6 p.m. (The Nied Funeral Home is a proud member of the good grief center.)
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy Roth
June 7, 2010
I was shocked when I found out about Melissa's passing just today. She and I were both from Pittsburgh so when I saw or spoke to her we always had a common ground to chat about. She was an excellent interviewer and I loved her attitude and smile. She will be sorely missed and my heart goes out to her family and other friends.
Jon Corbett
February 22, 2010
To the Turley family, I am so sorry to here of the sudden passing of your daughter, i went to khs with Melissa,and what i remember is a girl who always smiled and always had a nice thing to say to a person even though she may not be close to them, it is such a great loss to lose someone with her wisdom and the way she treated here friends.
Jon Corbett
class of 2003
January 8, 2010
We are here for you Ed and Lorri,Shaun, Drew and Trista. You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday.
We have a special angel up there looking down on us.
Love you all alot.
Aunt Pam and Uncle Ray
Marilyn Mattingly
January 4, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Melissa's death. I never met her in person, but always enjoyed talking with her on the phone so much. I will keep her family in my prayers. Marilyn Mattingly
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Darryl Thornton
January 4, 2010
Words can not covey the sorry in my heart hearing about the loss of Melissa at such a tender age. Family please know that you have my prayers at this most difficult time.
God Bless!
Gary Myers
January 4, 2010
I am deeply saddened by this bright light which has left us too early. In every in-person and phone conversation, she radiated such joy and contagious enthusiazm. I am glad that I told her just how much that meant to me when I saw her in November. From the DHS family of Workers Comp personnel, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to you... family, and other dear friends.
John Palguta
December 29, 2009
What a great shock and a tremendous loss. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Melissa on a number of occasions and seeing her at a number of events where she was covering yet another story with understanding and insight. Melissa was unfailingly pleasant, upbeat, knowledgeable, and professional. I will miss her.
December 29, 2009
My heart goes out to Melissa's family and friends...she was a really wonderful person. Edmund Byrnes
Mike Orenstein
December 28, 2009
I am numb after learning today of Melissa's passing. My condolences to her family and to the many who knew her as a friend or colleague. She was so young and vibrant, and had tremendous energy. In fact, when Melissa and I last spoke, she had this contagious enthusiasm about a long-awaited interview; we also discussed grabbing a beer and pizza (and share pet stories), and one day hitting a bike trail. While I knew her for only a short time, it's rather clear that the devotion Melissa gave to her craft was surpassed only by her love and devotion for her mom. Rest in peace my friend.
Jim Mitchell
December 28, 2009
What an astounding loss. Melissa was a true professional and a good friend. I met her when she covered matters of my federal agency. Her work was impressive. My condolences to Melissa's family and friends.
Jon Desenberg
December 28, 2009
I started out as a journalistic source for Melissa's excellent work, but we became friends and shared our love of music, concerts and life in DC with each other. This is so tragic and sad, her memory will live on with all who remember her.
December 23, 2009
My heart goes out to every member of her family. She was one of my best friends and I will truly miss her. Be strong in this time of sorrow. Time eases all pain.
December 22, 2009
Ray and the Turley family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. It is hard to lose someone so close and we share in your grief.
Deepest Sympathies, Patricia, Jerry, and Kelly Harper
Rita Witt
December 21, 2009
Ray & entire Turley family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your happy memories of her give you comfort, peace, and smiles.....
Kate Durett
December 21, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to Melissa family and friends, I share the pain with you. We all loved Melissa, her laugh was infectious and her presence lit up any room she was in. Having the chance to live with someone who was so alive and loved life so much was an honor. I will keep Melissa in my memories and heart forever. I love you so much Melissa and I miss you!!
Charles Turley
December 21, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kathy Hunter
December 20, 2009
12-20-09
To Ray and family there are no magical words I can say for you. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beutiful person and will be sadly missed.You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Leslie Rush Cuda
December 20, 2009
Ray, and the entire family..........i'm completely struggling to find the right words to say, and there really are none. i just want you to know that my heart is with you all, and if you ever need anything at all, please don't hesitate to let me know. my prayers are with you now and always!!
Allison
December 20, 2009
I will always remember Melissa’s vibrant personality, engaging smile and genuine interest in so many things. I looked forward to being with her at conferences, where she was always professional, but equally fun to be around because of her good cheer and keen observations. I send my condolences to her family and friend, hoping that the almost unbearable pain of her loss will be tempered with memories of her great humor and zest for life.
Kimberley Spire-Oh
December 20, 2009
To Melissa's family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. I worked closely with Melissa at LRP. She became a mentor to my 12-year old son, Chris, who dreams of becoming a journalist when he grows up. Melissa also commisserated with the two of us, who share in her battle with migraines.
Melissa's generosity in sharing ideas with Chris and encouraging him as he spent a year earning his place on his school newspaper and later as he wrote his first articles and faced various challenges meant the world to him -- and to me.
I have not met another person with Melissa's energy and enthusiasm. She was always willing to help anyone who needed her assistance.
Melissa's love of birds does not surprise us. She herself was like a bird soaring through the sky. We obtain comfort with our certainty that Melissa's spirit will continue to soar even though her body is no longer with us.
Chris and I will miss Melissa. We are grateful we had the opprtunity to know her during her much-too-brief time with us. Please know we will not forget her.
In sympathy,
Kimberley Spire-Oh and Christopher Oh
Julie Davidson
December 20, 2009
It was a joy to work with Melissa at LRP. She lived each day to the fullest and dedicated herself to her family and friends. I will always remember her vibrant and generous personality. She will be truly missed.
Toby Rubenstein
December 20, 2009
Melissa and I shared two meals in November and had spoken of her future plans, of the Pittsburgh area, her birthday, family, and some health issues.
Previously we had corresponded on two projects on which she was working for LRP.
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one.
Alan and Margie Shapiro
December 20, 2009
To Melissa's family and friends,
Alan and I met Melissa through association at the LRP conference. She was a professional and talked with us about how much she loved her job and loved to write. The warmth of her personality quickly turned a professional relationship into a friendship. We extend our condolences to the family and friends.
Margie and Alan Shapiro
Tia Uber
December 20, 2009
Melissa,
I will struggle with the fact that you left us too soon for a long time. Memories of you will always put a smile on my face. Thoughts of you will be with me forever......I Love You.
Mary Jo Levine
December 20, 2009
Uncle Ray, My heart goes out to you with the untimely passing of Melissa. It seems like yesterday we were setting up for her high school graduation party. Keep strong with the great memory of Melissa. With my deepest sympathy.
The Hunter Family
December 20, 2009
Ray what A great friend and the pleasure to know your daughter. You have our condolences
Andrew Viccora
December 19, 2009
To Melissa's family and friends, I am truly sorry for your loss.
I worked with Melissa for several years at LRP Publications. She was a wonderful human being, who truly cared for her coworkers. Melissa always had a warm smile and kind words for everyone, and she was always supportive when people needed help. I recently lost my job and Melissa jumped right in with tips, advice, and even a reference letter. But most importantly, she cared, checking in often to see how I was doing. She was truly a loving person and I was blessed to have known her. I will miss her, but I know that God has prepared a special place for such a kind soul.
Andrew Viccora
Adelle Turley
December 19, 2009
To the Turley family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this troubling time. May God guide you through this heartbreak. Melissa, I love you, Aunt Dee.
December 19, 2009
Dear Lori and family: My sincere sympathy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers..If ever you want to talk I'll be here for you...
God bless all of you. I'm so sorry.
Mary Grace Butera Antario
Bill Biesecker
December 19, 2009
Ray,
It is with deep sympathy that I offer my sincere condolences. I know what a treasure your daughter must have been.
James Michael Brodie
December 19, 2009
Melissa, I have few words. I miss you. You were a light in our office and you brought joy to all you touched. God must have needed you more than we.
"Gone too soon..."
Sue Wetherington
December 19, 2009
To Melissa's family and all her many friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time in the loss of Melissa. I met Melissa through LRP and remembering the very first time when she interviewed me. Her sweet personality along with her professionalism and never meeting a stranger. How special it was for me, this past year at the LRP Conference in Chicago, Melissa introduced me in my last session. Melissa was loved by all those she touched and I am very thankful she came into my life and am very saddened in her loss.
Chelsea Kendle
December 19, 2009
Melissa,
I hurt so much and I will for a long time. You were an amazing person, my best friend. We had a lot of good times together and I will never forget them. You will be in my heart always. All your talents, your indescribable beauty, your amazing personality... I will always admire you. You will forever be my inspiration to live life to the fullest because you did- you always smiled, you lit up a room when you walked in. "Turley Tornado" May you rest in peace. You are missed by many. I love you so much.
Christine, Patti & Melissa (May, 2008)
Patti Mohr
December 19, 2009
Melissa had a special way of embracing people as friends, events as chances to share and life as an opportunity to spread her strong and everlasting love with those all around her. She was fearless and strong. She will always be remembered and cherished for the time she gave to us and to this world. With love, Patti Mohr
December 19, 2009
Ray:
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter.
You have my deepest sympathy and prayers in these difficult times.
Becca
Pauline Seavers
December 19, 2009
you hvae my deepest smapathy Lori and Ed and Ray, Melissa was like one of the family her and Jada were such good friends, such a sweet ..Person I always enjoyed being around melissa. she was always smileing. I will always remember her.I am praying for your family.and God's comforting arms to embrace you now
December 18, 2009
To Ray and Lori,
Words cannot convey the sorrow we feel for your loss.
We remember seeing Melissa enjoying the island and playing with all her cousins.
Our deepest sympathy to both of your families.
Ken & Pat Drake and family
Sean Kendle
December 18, 2009
Mel, I miss you already, lady. You were one of my best friends, and you were always there for me. I'm so glad I got to share some time in this world with someone so brilliant, beautiful and wonderful. You always made me smile, you always made me laugh.
I will not be able to accept this loss for a long time, and I can't stop crying. I'm sure this will go on and on, and never really fade... it will just become something I have to deal with on a day to day basis, or else.
I will never get over this pain, I will never be ok with this. I love you, I miss you and I wish you were here.
To Melissa's family: I can't imagine the horrible pain you're in. I have no words of advice to offer, just my utmost sympathy, and as much support as I can be. Just know that you are not alone in this. We will be there for you as much as we can be whenever you need us.
Robert
December 18, 2009
Melissa connected with everyone in a different way, and that's part of what made her so unique. I will always remember her as undeniably the most vibrant person in whatever room she happened to be in.
Dave Kittross
December 18, 2009
Melissa was the first person I really talked to at LRP; in the year we worked together, I got to know a special person who had such a zest for life, and yet was also a dedicated professional who those in the field greatly admired. But most of all, I know she cared so much for her family and friends, and my prayers go out to those who knew Melissa best...we will all miss her...
December 18, 2009
Ray and Lorri. My deepest sympathy on the loss of such a beautiful child. I remember the graduation party Ray had for her. He was so proud of her. Your angel is with Pat an Bern now.
Stay strong, she'll be in your heart always. Pat Connelly
Your loving Neighbors
December 18, 2009
Help From God
The Bible assures us: “God is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” If talking out your feelings with a sympathetic friend can help, how much more will pouring out your heart to “the God of all comfort” help you! God can equip you with “power beyond what is normal” to go from one day to the next.
December 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Melissa. May you find peace and comfort from your fond memories of times shared with her. I will remember our times shared in the classroom and in FBLA at Kittanning High School. Darlene Costanzo
Wangui Njuguna
December 18, 2009
Melissa was kind, smart, funny, and truly wonderful. I count myself blessed to have known her.
My prayer is that family and friends find strength and solace from all those joyous memories that delightful Melissa shared with us.
Melissa, you'll be missed tremendously.
Kim Riley
December 18, 2009
To Melissa's family and friends:
During this sorrowful time, I pray that you are comforted by the love you shared with Melissa. It is truly a light that will never fade.
With deep sympathy,
Jennifer Wimer
December 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with friends and family.
Tina Cantave
December 18, 2009
To Melissa's family:
I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Melissa, but our Vice President of Editorial & Conferences here at LRP in Florida informed us what a delightful person she was.
My prayers go out to all of you, and my wish is that you will somehow find the strength to get through the days ahead. And I pray that in time your pain and grief will be eased by the wonderful memories you shared with Melissa.
December 18, 2009
To Melissa's family and close friends, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I was friends with Melissa in high school and I remember her joyful spirit and positive attitude.
Take comfort in your great memories of her and knowing she touched so many people at such a young age. May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time.
With Sympathy,
Jessica Forte
KHS Class of 2000
December 18, 2009
Melissa sweetie,
You are in my heart forever............
I love you,
Aunt Yvonne
Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results
Make a Donation
in MELISSA TURLEY's name
How to support MELISSA's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor MELISSA TURLEY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
