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MELISSA KATHERINE CELLA

FUNERAL HOME

Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard

Skokie, Illinois

MELISSA CELLA Obituary

Melissa Katherine Cella, 20, of Wilmette. Beloved daughter of Dana M. Cella and Carolynne (Frank) Paul; dear step-sister of Susan and David Paul; loving granddaughter of Edward and Katherine Cella and Theresa Punyko; step-granddaughter of Sue Paul; dear niece and cousin to many. Visitation Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. at Old Orchard Road, Skokie. Funeral services Wed. Feb. 16, 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette, 600 9th St., Wilmette, IL 60091. Interment Private. Memorials to Family Service Center, 1167 Wilmette Ave. # 201, Wilmette, IL 60091-2643. Info: 847-675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for MELISSA CELLA

Not sure what to say?





Diane English

February 7, 2026

Never forgotten!!

Kristen

February 7, 2022

Facebook still pops up with memories we shared together. I love seeing us smiling together. Moments pop into my head all the time. I specifically remember hanging out at Maple park, the way you called me "chimayra" and crawling up the side of your house into your porch area to hang out. I remember eating lucky charms together in your room and calling you Jean-Michel. I miss you terribly. Can´t wait to see you again. Love you, Mel

Diane English

February 7, 2022

Still think of Mel and feel sad she is gone. May she be enjoying eternal life free from all earthly suffering. She was a good soul.

May 26, 2012

Lovely angel, missed by all.

May 24, 2012

You shoes are still where you left them. It seems right that they stay there.

February 10, 2012

A year has passed and not a day goes by that you aren't in my thoughts.
Love Dad

February 10, 2012

You are missed, sweet Mel...M.

February 8, 2012

One year since you were taken from us and our lives have been so empty without you. We love and miss you dearly. You are in our heart and prayers always.
Nana and Grumpa

January 11, 2012

WOW...A year has come and gone.Sure miss that beautiful smile. And your witty personality.Happy Birthday... A year in you new life.I can see you smiling, with no problems,no worries just life the way we all wish it could be.You are so loved, here and in heaven. Julie

July 8, 2011

Dana,I think about Melissa often. The great times we had in Mexiso,Lakehavasu and,Crescent bar.And at home as a family.You so kind forgiving, patient and most of all loving.Melissas well always be with us... Julie

May 16, 2011

Happy 21st Birthday Honey I miss you so very very much....
Love Dad

Rue

April 6, 2011

Melissa- i only knew you for a short time while working together, but through that we became friends. I was very shocked to hear of your death and my heart is so saddened for your family. I will always remember you and our times! You were a great artist and genuine person. Im glad i met you and thanks for the tat! Rest in peace...

Kristen (chimmy) Dewey

February 25, 2011

Mel - You were, are, and always will be an amazing and inspirational person. I am really going to miss you, but I know I will see you again. I'll never forget how you were always yourself no matter what, and I always looked up to you. I'll miss meeting you outside in the middle of the night when you would walk over to my house, but I will always have the memories of the countless times we spent together. You will never, ever be forgotten. We love you.

Kami & Tony Matiatos

February 24, 2011

Dana and Carol,
We are so terribly sad to hear that Melissa was taken from you so early. It seems not that long ago she was the sweet little girl playing in the culdesac. We truly hope that you can find some peace in precious memories of happy times.

Karin Leslie

February 24, 2011

Carolynne-I cannot imagine the pain you must be experiencing. I hope that you find some peace in knowing her earthly existence has come to rest and she now knows comfort in God's perfect light.
Take time to savor your memories and always remember her smile...

Janice Nelson

February 22, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about Melissa. Her and Rebecca were friends at Green River Montessori and in the early days before she moved to Chicago. You are in our thoughts.

Lynn Brown

February 22, 2011

Carolynne, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost a grandaughter when she was 8 and know how difficult it is for all. I send prayers for you and your family to find consolation through one another.

Kara Surber

February 22, 2011

Dear Carolynne - I know there is nothing I can say to even take away a piece of the pain you are feeling; my thoughts and prayers are withyou and your family. All my love, Carolynne.

Anne Suyama

February 22, 2011

Carolynne, My heart is saddened to learn of your dear sweet Melissa's passing and your tremendous loss. My thoughts go out to you and your family.

Sue Patterson

February 22, 2011

Carolyn, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Melissa. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, and Dana.

Bill Rienstra

February 21, 2011

Sorry for your loss Carol and family. May the Lord comfort you and surround you with His love.

Jimmy Doherty

February 21, 2011

Dana,
Very sorry to hear about Melissa. You and your family have always been the very best of people and I'm sure she was one of the finest. I'm glad you have family close by to help you with the unimaginable sorrow. Take care our prayers are with you and yours.

jan bartholomew

February 20, 2011

dana-- I'm sorry for your loss. I know how painful a heart can feel. life is not fair to any of us. Make the best of what you have and cherish it forever. My thoughts are always with you
love Jan Montgomery Bartholomew

Matthew Marchese

February 17, 2011

I'm the son of John Marchese. He told of of your loss. I'm very sorry to hear this news. Best wishes through this difficult time.

Diane English

February 17, 2011

My heart is heavy with sadness after I learned of Melissa's death. She had so much love to give the world. Her artistic talents were gifts she gave us. I will remember with fondness all our private talks while sitting on the staircase because she was more comfortable being unconventional!! We fought the good fight while you were in high school and I am honored to have been part of your life--even for only 3 years. My sincerest sympathy goes out to your mom and dad. I will keep you in my thoughts, always.
Diane English New Trier HS

February 17, 2011

dana so sorry to hear of your loss--- my prays are with you-- love cousin john

"Ben and Carolyn"

February 17, 2011

Carolynne and Frank: So sorry to hear of your loss. I'll always remember Melissa as the sweet girl next door, who liked to color her white dog's hair pink.

Lorraine Bruno

February 17, 2011

Dana,

I know we are many miles away but I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Melissa. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.

Love always,
Cousin Lorraine, Stacey & Tracey

Katie C

February 17, 2011

I was so sorry to hear about this today. Melissa and I were better friends earlier in high school, but we never passed one another without a friendly word. I will miss her so much.

Brian Grange

February 16, 2011

Dear Aunt Kat and Dana,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We are sorry for your loss.
I like to believe that when we lose someone close to us they still live through us and give us strength.
Our hearts and tears are with you, Dana and your family.
We will talk at a later time.

Brian, Trish and Paul

Monique Boyd

February 16, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. Melissa was a very creative soul.
(new trier art teacher)

Vern Poulsen

February 16, 2011

To the Cella family, Tacoma Shoregang sends our sympathy for your loss. We are all with you in our thoughts and our hearts.

Bob Olson

February 16, 2011

To Carolynne, Frank, the Cella and Paul families, Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you all.

February 15, 2011

I am at a loss for words. Melissa had everything to live for, talent, mind, personality and loving parents. How this needless death could happen is beyond me. I have known Melissa since a child learning violin and she grabbed onto any skills I gave her like it was candy. I cannot fathem the pain her family is experiencing but my heart is with them at this time. Melissa is at peace now. We are left to sort through her life, hang on to the wonderful memories of a vibrant soul and love and cherish Melissa's memory. In love and prayers.
Diane McMahon

February 15, 2011

Rest in peace, sweet girl.

Marie A., Claire's mom

February 15, 2011

Our prayers are with you in your time of loss. Con & Fran Gibbemeyer, St. Paul

February 14, 2011

It brakes our hearts to lose you. But you never went alone, For part of us went with you The day God called you home.We love you, Julie, Jason, Tyler, Britnee

Jim and Janet Nelson

February 14, 2011

So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Sean Sawyer

February 13, 2011

I love you Mel. We will meet again don't know where or when. Thank you for the good times and for leaving me your mark.

MK McAdams

February 13, 2011

Walking buddy! I know you are making some beautiful art up there . . . Far more beautiful than any art we can make down here.

Love,
"8th grade walking buddy"

PATRICK SCHAUER, Esq.

February 13, 2011

My deepest condolences and sympathy to Carolynne, Frank and the entire Cella family on the loss of your only child. I know your entire First Presbyterian church family will support you. God bless you and your church community of faith.

Bill Punyko

February 12, 2011

God bless you.

Aunt Patricia

February 12, 2011

Dear sweet child.. rest in peace.

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