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Melissa Brown Obituary
AGE: 36 • Hazlet
Melissa Ann (Cokelet) Brown, 36, of Hazlet, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She had been hospitalized while waiting for her second double lung transplant due to complications from Cystic Fibrosis. Melissa was born in Red Bank and raised in Hazlet, and has resided in Hazlet since. She graduated from Raritan High School in 1994; and received her accounting degree from Monmouth College in 1999. She was employed as an accountant for Supermarkets General, Carteret. Melissa enjoyed vacationing with her family in LBI and Disney World. For the last 12 years, Lake George had become a special vacation place to her and her family. Melissa's beautiful smile lit up every room she entered. Her contagious laughter made everyone laugh with her. She will always be remembered as the comedian of the family.
Melissa was a loving mother to her beautiful twin daughters, Taylor and Madison Brown of Hazlet. She is also survived by her parents, Charles and Maureen Cokelet of Hazlet; her dear sister, Amanda Ahlert and her husband, Joseph of Hazlet; and her maternal grandmother, Janet Rush of Holmdel. Melissa was predeceased by her loving cousin, Kerri Ann Maddock; her maternal grandfather, William Rush; her paternal grandparents, Charles and Ann Cokelet; and her uncle, James Rush. Melissa will hold a special place in the hearts of all her loving aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for the wonderful care you gave Melissa. To everyone who knew and loved Melissa, please take a moment to reflect on her life. Say a prayer, light a candle or gaze up at the stars, one of them will be Melissa lighting your way. With love to our Angel who will always be "The Wind Beneath Our Wings."
Family and friends are invited Thursday, January 26, 2012 and Friday, January 27, 2012, from 2-4 & 7-9PM at Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport; and Saturday, January 28, 2012, 9:30AM at the funeral home, with a 10:30AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Benedict RC Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Keyport. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Melissa to Taylor and Madison Brown. To offer the family online condolences or for directions to the funeral home, please visit the funeral home website at www.dayfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melissa Brown
Jo Ann Morano
February 15, 2012
Mel, there is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you. I pray that you are somewhere doing the things you did so well, the things I have always loved about you ~ laughing, having fun & causing mischief.
With a smile on your face is how I will always remember you. I can still hear that fun, contagious laugh and I will keep it close to my heart always.
Seeing your daughters running through the Cokelet kitchen was such an amazing throwback to grade school. Lots of fun, sleepovers & just being kids...what I wouldn't give to be back there with you right now. I wish we could have had more time together, but I feel comfort in knowing that your beautiful strength & spirit will live on forever in Taylor & Madison. I know that they now have a guardian angel watching over them, and there isn't anyone else I would want in my corner.
You are the epitome of strength & courage, and you have been an inspiration to everyone around you. "Heaven definitely just got a little tougher". Thank you for being my lifelong friend...I love you and I will miss you always xoxo
Melissa Acquaviva
February 13, 2012
Words cannot express the deep and saddest of condolences that I feel for the entire Cokelet Family. Thank you to Maureen and Charlie for never holding Melissa back from anything as a child (not that she would have ever let you), and showing her there was nothing she couldn't do. She was an inspiration to us as children, and as an adult – an unbridled bravery she had. May there be some comfort in knowing that your beautiful and funny daughter is now your angel, for both of you, Amanda, and of course Taylor and Madison . . .
I have no childhood without Melissa in it. I have so many memories of us growing up, and wish so badly there were many more as adults. You loved life, and you had a laugh to prove it. A laugh that made others laugh – a laugh that could happen while watching me fall on the basketball court in 7th grade or laughing while having a blast, dancing at a party – it's her laugh that I couldn't miss, because it will always remain within me. I pray my children grow to have the Courage, Strength and genuine Love Melissa held. She will always be an inspiration. Rest Peacefully Melissa. Love Always, Missy
Kelly Cusumano
February 8, 2012
Dearest Maureen, Charlie and Amanda,
Melissa is so missed. Not a single day goes by when i do not think of her. Mel was such a beautiful, fun, smart and caring friend. Mel being gone is hard on everyone, she has impacted so many people with her bravery and will to live. I pray that warm memories ease your pain, and always think of her beautiful smile and laugh. Taylor and Madison will have a great legacy to live by. I am so sad that Mel is not on earth with us but I do know she is watching over us all. We will always keep Mel's spirit alive with many funny, crazy stories. May God Bless and keep you always.
Love Always,
Kelly Cusumano
BFF
Carisa Santiago
February 6, 2012
There are not enough words to express how lost I am without you. I miss your smile, your laugh, I miss my partner in crime. You were so brave and so strong for so long. You are my hero and I am so proud to call you my best friend. Thank you for letting me be there with you and holding my hand. Thank you for reassuring me that everything was gonna be ok. I know you are at finally at peace and happy, I just hope you know how much I miss you everyday. I'm glad I have you as my angel watching over me and I will always take care of Amanda, Taylor and Madison. I look forward til the day we finally meet again...I love you BFF. XOXO
Melissa Kane (chesnowitz)
February 6, 2012
To all of Melissa's family and friends, I was saddened to hear of Melissa's passing. She was a great person and I feel blessed and honored to have known her... Knoll terrace, Pathmark, school... I will cherish the fond memories that I have of her. I only wish we had not lost touch in recent years. She had such a zest for life and fought hard to live each day to the fullest. I pray that you all may find peace as you carry on without her... She will live on through her beautiful daughters and surely be a beautiful guardian angel to you all. Rest in peace Melissa. I am glad to have wonderful memories of you and will cherish them always.
Jane Tuero
February 2, 2012
To my beautiful niece Melissa, I will forever miss your beautiful smile and your contagious laughter. I am honored to have spent so many days and nights with you during the last nine months. Through laughter and tears we always managed to get through to the next day. You were certainly strong and fought hard right to the end. I will miss you always but will keep you close to my heart. We will all see you through Taylor and Madison, as they have the same beautiful smile and funny ways of their mother. I know you are with Kerri and you two will take care of each other. We are now blessed to have two beautiful angels watching over all of us. Rest in peace my angel, your will no longer suffer. With Love Always, Aunt Jane
Michele Colonna
January 29, 2012
My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Two things I always admired about Melissa were her courage and humor. I remember trips to visit her at MMC with Ann Marie and seeing her at family parties- she was always so strong, brave and incredibly funny. It was a blessing to have known her. May she rest in peace in God's loving arms.
Carol Brown
January 28, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Maureen and Charlie,two of the most dedicated parents I have ever known. Rest in peace Melissa,I guess I will never truly understand our relationship and I guess that's just how it was meant to be. I will always remember the great parties we use to have and how you loved to hulahoop...you did it so well, I was always so impressed you made it look like so much fun. Rest in peace Melissa.
Victoria Bretton
January 28, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to all of Melissa's family, especially to Melissa's young daughters. Rest in peace Melissa. For the girls you are not alone we are here for you.
January 28, 2012
I remember babysitting Melissa when she was younger, making sure she took her medicine and doing her treatments. Even then, Melissa took it like a trooper. My prayers will always be with her and the girls. I hope the heavens can handle her sense of humor. This proves life is just too short. Love, your cousin, Patti, Jeff, Cameron, Jaedyn and Chase
The Santa Maria Family
January 28, 2012
To all those whose lives were touched by Melissa...we pray for brighter days ahead as you reflect upon her extraordinary life. We hope you find comfort in her spirit that lives on in her children. Blessings & condolences.
Pat Kelly
January 27, 2012
My deepest sympathy.Melissa was so much fun to be around. I will never forget the Bongiovi tailgate party and the beer festival. She truly was special!! Her laugh was infectious.
January 27, 2012
To Maureen and the rest of the Cokelet family, my deepest sympathy goes out to you at this most difficult time Although I may have only met Melissa once many years ago, I kept up with both sisters through my mother, who would give me updates on how things were going with both girls. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Melissa's passing My heart goes out to the entire family
Lee Golden (Durham, North Carolina)
January 27, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to all of Melissa's family and friends, especially to Melissa's young daughters. May your mind and body now rest in peace Melissa.
Ricci Family
Nicole Trollo
January 27, 2012
You will truely be missed, heaven has another Angel, RIP Coconut. Love ya!
My most sincere condolences to the whole Cokelet family!
Nicole C
January 27, 2012
My sincerest condolences to Melissa's parents, daughters and friends. I never knew growing up, that she was sick because she always had a smile on her face. It is a testament to her family that she fought as hard as she did with such grace. May the days that pass help to ease your pain at this terrible loss. I will be looking to the sky to see her star shine as she watches over her daughters, family, and friends.
Colette Jacobsen
January 27, 2012
To All of Melissa's family and friends, especially Maureen and Amanda...
I am so deeply sorry. She really fought a great fight. And now she may rest peacefully, and help you watch over Taylor and Madison. May her spirit live within them, and shine through them daily. Lots of love and hugs being sent to you. And sqeeze the girls extra tight!
xoxo
Angel Swarrow
January 26, 2012
My deepest sympathies go out to family and friends of Mel. I will forever remember our younger years cruising the parkway to the hottest New Jersey shore boardwalks, our late night hotel parties, and most of all her laughter. Oh how my heart hurts knowing the loss, but I'm sure she's found greener pastures. All my love to her family and friends in this difficult time.
Brian&Janice
January 26, 2012
Always and every day in my prayers.
Danielle Brown
January 26, 2012
I am truly sorry for your loss. Melissa will be missed by so many. She was a beautiful,generous, and fun person. I will never forget her smile & her laugh. She is now at peace and will forever be looking down on her daughters & family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Jenn Macomber
January 26, 2012
rip in piece you will be missed by all!
tracy sturt
January 26, 2012
Dear Amanda & Family,
Although I didn't know Melissa my mother has many pictures of us growing up together and I remember all the fond memories Amanda would always tell me when we worked together at the heart center. It is never easy to loose a child/sister or even a friend. My sincere condolances are with your family and may she rest in peace where there is no more pain and she can look over all of you. God Bless
hope brown
January 26, 2012
R.I.P. MELISSA <3
The Vena family
January 26, 2012
May Melissa rest in peace. She was a beautiful, funny ,smart girl.
My deepest sympathies to u all! God bless...
Mike, Terry, Michael & Rachel Mode
January 26, 2012
We pray for Melissa and her children. We will miss her light but know that every time we see Taylor & Madison, we know Melissa will be over thier shoulder watching. The extended Cokelet family should be proud of thier daughter and of thier close ties. God Bless Melissa and God Bless them all.
January 26, 2012
Sincere Condolences
Joseph, AnnMarie,Anthony,Johnnie and Juliana Pandolfino
January 26, 2012
I can't even put into words how very sorry we are to hear of the loss of your daughter,May God help all of you with strength,and understanding. May she rest in peace among the Lord and all his special Angels. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
January 26, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss - what a beautiful girl - REST IN PEACE
Siobhan Ammerman
January 26, 2012
I did not know her but I can see what a beautiful person she is and will always be to her loved ones. May God Bless you all & keep you in his loving arms along with your sweet Melissa. She will always be with you, always.I pray for your family, to have the strength to heal together & may Melissa's endless memories comfort you always. Rest Easy, Angel above...
HOPE BROWN
January 26, 2012
TO THE COKELET FAMILY, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY FOR THE LOSS OF MELISSA. MAY SHE REST WITH THE ANGELS AND FEEL NO MORE PAIN. MELISSA WAS A VERY SPECIAL WOMAN AND HER MEMORY WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON. LOVE TO ALL
LOVE HOPE BROWN AND FAMILY
Linda Cramer
January 26, 2012
I did not have the honor of knowing Melissa, but Maureen and Charlie, you are in my thoughts. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
GELPKE FAMILY
January 26, 2012
prayers to MELISSA'S family and daughters and to all the lives she touched.
Dorann Ciminello
January 26, 2012
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Melissa and I met years ago through
a dear friend of ours and at that point in time became close as well.
Over the years we lost contact as people usually do, but I often
thought of them both and how much fun we always had together.
Melissa had a way of always making you laugh and knew exactly
when you needed cheering up. She will forever be remembered.
Becky Boyd-Raithel
January 26, 2012
I haven't lived in Hazlet since 87, but I lived on Knoll Terr and remeber Melissa vividly. My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends at this time.
Becky (Boyd) Raithel
Phawn Stallone Letourneau
January 26, 2012
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Melissa's strength and smile were truly inspiring. May she rest in peace and may God bless her beautiful girls.
Ann Marie Best
January 26, 2012
We are praying for Melissa and remembering her with laughter and tears. She will truly be missed.
With much love,
Your cousins, Ann Marie, Joe, Lauren, Lindsay, Erin and Shealyn
January 26, 2012
May u always guide your girls and family..may they all remember the laughters and good times u bought into their lifes...especially the girls..Peace
Courtney
January 26, 2012
To the Cokelet Family, you are so strong and I admire you for everything you've been through. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Melissa, you put up one heck of a fight, but now it's time to rest with the angels. Rest in Peace. Courtney (Keyport)
Aunt Lorraine
January 26, 2012
Rest in Peace, Melissa. Your suffering is over. Love you, Aunt Lorraine
January 26, 2012
A donation has been made to the Cystic Fybrosis Foundation in Melissas' memory.
January 26, 2012
To Maureen and the entire family,
My deepest Condolences for the loss of your daughter. She was truly amazing.
Wih love,
MaryBeth Nowak Freehold
Flannelly's
January 26, 2012
Our deepest sympathy.
KARL STRAUCH
January 26, 2012
TO CHARLIE AND MAUREEN
WE'RE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST!
KARL JEANNIE
STRAUCH
January 26, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss My Prayers to you and your family.
The D'Angelo Family
jaime chesnowitz-pyle
January 26, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cokelet family at what has to be the most difficult time in your lives. May Melissa be your angel up above, hold onto the memories as she will live on through her beautiful daughters .. God speed Melissa. Rest easy
Karen Burst
January 26, 2012
RIP Melissa your pain is gone. Condolences to Melissa's Family and her beautiful twin daughters
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