Melissa Duke Mooney

Melissa was and still is an inspiration in so many ways; she helped me find my way when I hardly knew what I wanted. Favorite thing she said to me in response to some sniveling of mine: "What, big girls don't get to have fun?" She always made me and so many others feel like we were great friends who just did not have the opportunity to live out that friendship as fully as we would have liked.

You are a shining star. I will forever treasure the gifts you have left in your wake and the memories we shared in life. You lived well my friend, you are loved and missed.

Melissa was one of the few girls in a neighborhood full of boys when we were growing up. Of course, the pretty girls get all the attention and thus did she. What a good friend.

A long time had passed since I had heard from her, until somehow we got each others email addresses and exchanged pictures of our kids with each other. It was good to catch up with an old friend and I'm sorry the reunion ended so quickly. But if I think like she did, then I should be happy there was...

My last visit was with Melissa in 1982. She was a very kind and special person. My condolences and prayers are with the family. John Koontz

I am so sorry to hear about Melissa's passing. We went to high school together and graduated from Woodlawn in Baton Rouge. I last saw her at our 20 year class reunion in 2006. May God grant you peace and surround you during this very difficult time.

I have known Mel Duke since I was 17, when I met her at Loyola in New Orleans. Time, life and distance sent us our separate ways, but a cherished group of us met back in New Orleans last year for a truly amazing week. Emails flew back-and-forth in preparation, and we all converged back in the place where it all began for so many of us. Melissa welcomed us all with enthusiasm and open arms into a home of a dear family friend. We covered a lot of ground in those days, shared stories about...

Sending condolences from all of us at FOX 25 News in Boston. Though our relationship with Melissa was via e-mail and phone, she always stood out as extremely kind and a pleasure to work with. Our deepest sympathies goes out to her family, friends and colleagues.

I am so sorry to hear about Melissa. I lived and worked with her in New Orleans many years ago. I have many fond memories of my time with her. Her smile and energy were contagious, and she always made things fun. You all will be in my prayers.

Melissa was a lovely and sparkling presence in our neighborhood -- she will be missed and remains beloved by so many. Our family is holding Neil and the girls and all who loved Melissa in the light.