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Melissa VanOsdol Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Melissa VanOsdol
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Jason M. Wewers
February 14, 2012
While doing research over the weekend for a book I'm writing, I was shocked and saddened to read of Melissa's passing in 2009. I've been wrestling over whether I should leave a message or if it was even appropriate to at this late date - but, in the end - I needed to share the words in my head and the feelings in my heart.
Though I've had special people come into my life for longer periods, and have had those who were closer (some passing away far too young), the few years I was fortunate enough to share with Melissa at Oakwood Manor grade school were just as meaningful and precious.
Most of those memories have faded with time, but a handful remain - and one in particular still makes me smile...
During one of these years (1981 maybe?), Melissa invited me to her birthday party. I couldn't go, but I took a card to her house a couple days before the big day. When she answered the door, she was eating those little powdered sugar doughnuts and had powdered sugar all over her face - sporting her beaming smile the whole time! It was so funny! To this day, when I see those little powdered sugar doughnuts in stores, I always think of that moment and get a big ol' smile on my face.
Though our paths only crossed a couple more times during our middle school years, Melissa always has and always will have a special place in my heart. I know it's been almost three years, but I still said a little prayer for her, for her family, and for her close friends.
Peter & Naomi Gill
March 31, 2009
We are so sorry to hear the news. We were able to get to know Melissa at soccer practices and our girls played together. Melissa was always such an encouragement and a joy to talk to. We will be praying for you and Mary as you go through this difficult time.
Pam & Bob gossey
March 28, 2009
This part of the world will be less bright with out "Our Sweet Melissa" to smile upon us.Just like Elton John's song: " Candle in the Wind", her life too was way to short.We will never forget her as she will live on through Mary, and always in our hearts.
Glory be to God and also with you.
Jim Meyer
March 27, 2009
As a high school teacher for many years now, I continue to be reminded of the challenges that face those attempting to craft a young adulthood. Most of us are content to pass those years relatively unscathed, with a handful of happy memories and friendships to carry with us into the future. So it's only now that I fully appreciate the remarkable grace that Melissa possessed already at so young an age, and how it made her a crucial member of our class. Although her talents and contributions are numerous, I find myself still in awe today of her unconditional and authentic kindness, which she spread generously to so many different people. To say that Melissa was remarkable is to state too plainly something that as creative woman as Melissa displayed in such colorful ways. Knowing that those closest to her are without her now is sad and unfair. God be with you and with Melissa.
Lori Pylypczuk-Allison
March 27, 2009
Such sad news…the world has lost such a wonderful person. Melissa & I go way back to OWM Elementary school, granted our lives took different paths but every time I would run into Melissa she always had a wonderful smile and kind words. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you and little Mary.
Wes Eagan
March 27, 2009
In the much too short time I knew her in college, I would argue there couldn't be a brighter ray of sunshine on this planet. She glowed and warmed those all around her. I can't think of her and that smile without busting one out myself. I'm lucky to have known her...
Linda Thompson
March 26, 2009
Paul and Jill,
I can't even imange the sorrow that your hearts are feeling right now. Just know that the precious little angel Mary was left behind to comfort you. You may see your Melissa daily in the life of little Mary. Hold her tight and know that Melissa will always be with you all. Just remeber how she brought joy to your lifes and so many others for the few short years she was here. I will always be here for you, know that. Love to all Joe and Linda
Veronica Valles
March 25, 2009
I am sorry for your loss. I went to middle school with Melissa and just was back in touch with her last summer. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers
Melissa Hoover
March 25, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Melissa's family and friends on your loss. Her radiant smile which I remember from our days at Oak Park will be greatly missed.
Vince caravella
March 25, 2009
Melissa will also remain in my heart.Melissa has always been a heart warming person always there to lean a hand,always there for her daughter no matter what.The world is sad for the loss of Melissa,as the heaven's ring out with joy,my love always..
March 25, 2009
Dear Van and Jill,
I was both shocked and saddend by the notice of Melissa'a passing. I know how devastated you both must be.I'm thinking of you and praying for you. 5 years ago I lost my 23 year old son Jamie. Hold on to each other remember all of the great times you had with Melissa. Enjoy your grandaughter. Mike Callahan
tony gowin
March 24, 2009
so sorry to hear of your loss. melissa always had a smile on her face. i'm sure her smile will be missed by many. may God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
tony and marla gowin
Becky Hassig Graham
March 24, 2009
What a dear friend Melissa had been to me that started way back in middle school. We were close through high school, even though we split paths. I was so mad that I couldn't go to Oak Park with my best friend. I will miss her smile, laugh, and creative talents. She was such a warm and caring person. I will miss her deeply. My deepest sympathies, Becky Hassig Graham
Jenny Munroe
March 24, 2009
I will always love and miss Melissa and wish we had more time with her. My thoughts and love go out to her family.
Missy Whitton Barron
March 24, 2009
You couldn't meet a more wonderful and dear person as Melissa-she was an absolute gem. She will be missed greatly. My heart and prayers go out to her family and friends. All my best and God Bless...
Christine Van Osdol
March 24, 2009
Dear Jill and Van,
our thoughts and prayers are with you, and especially with Mary, at this time.
Christine and Bill Van Osdol, with Teresa and Nicholas
Melissa's photo - from the time we met at Evie's in 1993 - is on our mantle.
"I have passed the mountain peak and my soul is soaring in the firmament of complete and unbounded freedom.
I am in comfort;
I am in peace."
Kahlil Gibran
Rebecca Lewis
March 24, 2009
Melissa was one of the most charming people I've met. She was kind-hearted, always had a sunny outlook and when her goofy & nutty side kicked in - she was the life of the party! May the fond memories of Melissa be comforting to all.
Jay Hurst
March 24, 2009
I was so saddened by the news of Melissa's passing. I had not seen Melissa for many years, since high school and occasionally on campus at MU, but she was thought of often. I, like everyone else, will always remember Melissa as being one of the most sincere and pleasant people I have ever met. She was always gracious and happy with that great never ending smile. I know she touched many lives and left lasting impressions on all that she knew. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
March 24, 2009
I never had a student more excited about the photos she captured than Melissa on the day we shot A Day in the Life of Atchison, Ks. Her enthusiasm was infectious. She was a joy to have on the yearbook and newspaper staffs her senior year. I am so sad to hear of her much too early passing.
Bill Hankins, former teacher Oak Park H.S.
Tony and Amy Torres
March 24, 2009
We are shocked and saddened to hear about Melissa. We both grew up with her and were discussing how she was always a positive energy to be around: smiling, laughing and fun. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Michelle Arnone
March 24, 2009
With deepest sympathy.. my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.
Malissa Silvey
March 24, 2009
I'm so sorry to hear of Melissa's passing. Her shining smile will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.
Erin Pratt Wilson
March 24, 2009
I met Melissa in third grade and was a classmate of hers all the way through college. We were both students in the NKC School Districts Gifted Program. And gifted she was... she was so very intelligent, amazingly creative, surprisingly funny. Her gorgeous hair and beauty was surpassed only by her extreme kindness and warm soul. She was a true individual in ways many only dream of being. May peace be with those whose hearts are heavy with grief. Mary, your mother was one of a kind.
Amy Buck
March 24, 2009
I am very saddened to hear of Melissa's passing. I have known her for many years...since our early days at Priscilla's Dance Studio through college. My thoughts and prayers are with Melissa's family.
Katharine Seelye
March 24, 2009
Melissa brought smiles to many everyday and I know she will be greatly missed. I went to high school with her and will be sending my support and strength through prayer to her friends and family. I too only have fond memories of Melissa including running into her on the slopes of CO.
Lenny Prestia
March 24, 2009
I'm very very saddened by the news...my heart and prayers go out to everyone whose lives shes touched...Melissa and I go way way back and shes always had a special place in my heart....God bless ...
Johanna Black
March 24, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Melissa. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May all the happy memories bring you comfort and joy.
Kim Dyer
March 24, 2009
I am saddened to hear of Melissa's passing. I attended high school with Melissa and have fond memories. My thoughts are with Melissa's family and friends at this difficult time.
Lisa Brasher
March 24, 2009
I was so sorry to hear the news. I went to Mizzou with Melissa and she was such a kind-hearted and joyful person to be around. She always had a smile on her face and my only memories of her are happy ones. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family at this time.
Betsy Gavin
March 24, 2009
Jill,
I was so saddened to hear about Melissa. My prayers are with you and your family at this time of need.
Betsy. (UMB Bank)
Christel Johnson
March 24, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Pam Eveland
March 24, 2009
Jill, I am so sorry for your lose I can't imagine how sad you are. My prayers are with Van, you and Mary. Love always, Pam Eveland...
Denise Rohwer
March 24, 2009
Working with Melissa was a treat. She had an upbeat personnality,with a smile & laughter that we will miss. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do.God bless you all.
March 24, 2009
Mellisa we will miss u dearly, Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you're family at this time. . We loved having u in our lives both u and little mary. We will miss u at all the family gatherings.We will keep u always in our heart.
Love Margaret Caravella- Aguilar and the rest of the Caravella family
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