Richmond, Virginia
WICKRAMASEKERA,
Melissa S., 46, born in Moline, Ill., on March 18, 1966, departed this life October 28, 2012 in Richmond, Va. She is survived by her daughter, Melissa T. Wickramasekera; her partner, Howard Lim; her father, Dr. Ian Wickramasekera; stepmother, Judy Wickramasekera; mother, Sally McLaughlin; brother, Ian E. Wickramasekera; and a host of family and friends. Melissa was an amazing artist, writer, photographer and film maker. She was an enthusiast of deep belly laughs and sharing the occasional cocktail with friends. Melissa had an adventurous and spontaneous spirit that led anyone with her to forget their troubles and enjoy life. She had a wit that was hard to match, and a potty mouth that would make a sailor blush. A celebration of Melissa's life will be held Friday, November 2, at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 213 North 25th Street, Richmond, Va. 23223, with reception to follow at Eric Schindler Gallery, 2305 East Broad Street, Richmond, Va. 23223. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
It has been a long time since our Poseur days. I was just doing a search for you only to find you had passed. I can't believe you are gone. I will always remember our dancing days and the fun times visiting you at VCU. May you rest in peace.
Cris Cooper
April 15, 2013 | Sparks, MD
Dot McDonald
November 04, 2012 | Zuni Va
My sincere condolences to the family, and especially to the daughter, of this wonderfully unique and unforgettable woman. I am so grateful to have known her for even the short time that I did. During that time, we shared notes on work and play, on art and on what sometimes only passes as art, on life and what it means to truly live, and on daughters who are an everlasting source of pride. She applied a rare wit and an exacting honesty to every discussion. I will miss that. I will miss her.
Suzanne Watters
November 02, 2012 | Henrico, VA
Mitzi, t'was an honor being friends with you at NCHS ... i knew you always had that creative artsy side but didn't realize you lived it ... you are as your art is ... beautiful ... look forward to catching up in the next life
Teddy G
November 02, 2012 | NOVA, VA
Mitsi, You left this world a better place, touched many lives in many different ways. You added more to my life than you ever knew, from letting this little sister tag along but never making me feel little, sharing laughs, drinks, confidences, to giving our family the greatest gift of all, beautiful Lissa. You will always be missed, never forgotten and your memory will carry on in all of us who loved you.
Teresa Porath
November 02, 2012 | Annapolis, MD
So sorry to hear of Melissa's passing. Sad to think there will be no more long walks, big pots of tea, or woody allen movies for you. Hope you are in a better place.
Jamie Patten
November 02, 2012 | Pittsburgh, PA
I wish I could be there in person to say Goodbye but I don't ever want to think of you as having left us. I wish I did attend the reunion when you asked if I would go. I wish so many things for you Mitzi, your daughter Melissa and your family. I am glad though that I have the memories of your yearbook notes, FB messages and the long phone call conversations we had about life and boys. You are a rare friend my dear. You will be missed. Love you chica.
Melynn
November 02, 2012 | Duluth, GA
Melissa, you will be missed.
Prayers for the family.
Erica Gray
November 01, 2012 | Henrico, VA
Any conversation with Melissa was just never long enough. No matter about what, and no matter how long. Not long enough! She was awesomely human, and she was an incredible mother because, beautiful Lissa, you radiate kindness and strength, bravery, and grace.
Rest in peace Melissa.
Deborah Amland
November 01, 2012 | Catonsille, MD