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MELISSA ORIE Obituary
MELISSA KRATSA
40, died on February 24, 2013. Melissa was a devoted mother to her three daughters, a dedicated wife, an adored daughter, a precious sister, and a true friend. With her gentle and generous spirit, she was a brave fighter and a compassionate crusader for thoughtful medical care for others. Melissa graduated from Duquesne University with her Bachelor's Degree and her Master's Degree in medical ethics. She worked tirelessly as a Patient Advocate and as a Director of Patient Relations for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Presbyterian, counseling critical care patients and their families with boundless enthusiasm and deep empathy. In her professional and personal lives, she touched everyone she met with her unforgettable and enduring sincerity, empathy, strength, grace, and sense of humor. Melissa is survived by her treasured parents and best friends, James Nicholas and Marianne Frances Kratsa; and by her loyal brother, Eric Alan Kratsa. She was preceded in death by her profoundly cherished sister, Kara Lynn Kratsa, whom Melissa closely cared for during Kara's final months in 2008. By far her greatest accomplishment in life was the family she created with her beloved husband, Kevin Leonard Orie, in whose eyes she was an angel, and their three precious daughters, Ava Katarina Orie, 6, Kara Lynn Orie, 4, and Alexa Katerina Orie, 2, all of Pittsburgh, PA. Melissa and Kevin brought three beautiful souls into the world - the three great loves of their lifetimes - and nurtured them into the exceptional children they are today. In lieu of flowers, Melissa suggested that donations in her memory be made to Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy, Pittsburgh, PA 15215. The Memorial Service will be private.
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Karen
March 4, 2025
Mel, I miss you and love you. Kar
Amira
March 2, 2025
Everyone misses you, Kara, and Aunt Marianne so much! I hope all of you + my mom and grandmother are hanging out up there, having lots of laughs. Love, Amira
Karen
September 17, 2020
Happy Birthday Mel, miss you and love you!
Joyce Campbell
September 18, 2019
Happy happy birthday...a day late but you are never forgotten. Miss you soooooo much.
Aunt Joy ❤
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Kathi Abati
September 17, 2019
Missing you, my Melissa~ today on your birthday.... and every day of the year. I love you my sweet friend.
Kathi
Kathi Abati
March 2, 2019
Love and miss you my Melissa!
February 25, 2019
Mel,
Your are always in my thoughts and heart. So many times I think of all the special times we shared and the many antics you played on me. You always made me laugh and brought a smile to my face. And now I'm sure you are doing the same with all the rellies, especially your Mom and sweet sister. My loss is their gain. Until we can all be together again, I love all of you and you fill my heart with joy.
Sis (Aunt Joy)
Karen
February 24, 2019
Mel, it's been 6 long years without you. I miss you and love you with all my heart. I bet you are running a tight ship up there. Love Kar
Kathi Abati
September 17, 2018
My sweet Melissa, I'm thinking about you today on your birthday as I do everyday. Missing you and loving you Always.
September 17, 2018
Happy Birthday my sweet girl. Miss you and think about you all the time. You were always there to make me smile.
Karen
September 17, 2018
Mel, Happy Birthday - Love Kar
Krissy
February 25, 2018
Wow! Five long years! We miss you every day and talk of you often! Your godson misses you fiercely! You were such a positive influence in all of our lives! We love you! Until we meet again!
Kristin, Mike, Cameron, and Jesse
February 24, 2018
It seems like only yesterday that we were together. It seems like only yesterday that we were talking and laughing. It seems like only yesterday that we heard your laugh and saw your beautiful face. Sadly it has been too long. You are missed more than words can say by too many to name. You are thought of with love daily. Love you with all my heart and miss you more. Till we meet again, Love, Linda
Karen
February 24, 2018
Mel, I can believe it's been 5 years. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Miss you with all my heart. Love Kar
Kathi Abati
February 24, 2018
I miss you my Melissa. You are always with me ....in my thoughts and in my heart. I love you so much my sweetest friend.
The Regalski's
September 18, 2017
Happy birthday Aunt Mel! You are always in our thoughts and prayers! We love you and miss you every day!
Kathi
September 18, 2017
Hi my Melissa, I thought about you all day on your birthday as I so often do. I miss you and love you so much. My dearest friend.
September 17, 2017
Happy Birthday, my sweet Melissa !
Never a day goes by that I don't think about you. Miss you so much.
Love, Aunt J. (Sis)
Kaen
August 30, 2017
Mel, if I could only see you and Kara greeting your Mother today. What a wonderful site to behold. I know she is at peace and so happy to be with her loved ones again. My heart breaks at our losing her, but I know she is in a beautiful place. We have one more Angel to watch over us but again way too soon. There will never be another Lady like her. Love Karen
Elaine (Bubba) Engler
July 26, 2017
Oh Missy, I am so heartbroken to have stumbled upon this sad, sad news. I used to work at BarGee Farms way back when you were in high school and taking lessons. I remember the day Charlie kicked you in the leg and my friend John and I carried you to your parents' car so you could go to the hospital. You were always so adorable and vivacious--just so friendly and full of life! You treated us--mere stablehands--like equals and you always lit up the barn with your smile. I also remember how much you loved your sister Kara. I bet you are both the most beautiful, loving angels in Heaven. I have tears in my eyes as I type this, all these years later, just remembering your energy and kindness. I hope your family members see this and know how much you touched our hearts. Bless you, sweet lady, and rest in peace. Love, Bubba and John
February 25, 2017
Never a day goes by, that you are not in my thoughts. But, you are always in my heart ❤
Miss you, Girl.
February 24, 2017
Mel, Thinking of you always. Missing you everyday. Love, Kare
Kathi Abati
February 24, 2017
Melissa, my beautiful friend, I miss and love you so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. You are my Angel from heaven above.
Kathi
December 6, 2016
I miss and love you so much My Melissa
Karen
September 19, 2016
Mel, I miss you and love you. Happy B Day, Love Kar
Krissy
September 18, 2016
Happy birthday to the best cousin and godmother around! We miss you so much! You were on my mind all day! We love you and think of you often!
LOVE YOU CUZ!
Linda Essed
September 17, 2016
Happy Birthday Melissa. Thinking of you fondly as I do many days. Feeling very melancholy missing you and the good times we shared. Our family is just not the same without you. Till we meet again, Love, Linda
Kathi Abati
September 17, 2016
My Melissa,
thinking of you today on your birthday! I love and miss you so much. You are my dearest friend I will ever have. I love love love you!!!!
Krissy
February 25, 2016
Love you Aunt Mel! Your godson is growing into such a fine young man! We miss you every day and we costantly share our memories of you!
February 25, 2016
You are in my heart, forever. Love you and miss you every day.
Aunt J (Sis)
Linda Essed
February 24, 2016
Three years ago today you were taken away from all of us. It is hard to believe that so much time has come and gone. When I am with your beautiful daughters or your Mum, Dad & Eric I keep expecting you to come walking into the room. It is heart breaking that you are not there. I think of you fondly everyday. Thank God I have so many wonderful memories of times we spent together that I can replay again and again. Love, hugs and kisses! Linda
Karen
February 24, 2016
Mel, I miss you and I love you, Kar
Kathi
February 24, 2016
I miss and love you so much my precious friend.
Kathi Abati
December 7, 2015
I love you Melissa
September 18, 2015
Happy birthday Aunt Mel!
We love you and miss you soooo much!
September 17, 2015
Happy Birthday my sweet angel. I miss you so much and wish you were here with me. You were so strong and God only knows how much I could use your strength now. You are always in my heart.
Love, Aunt J (Sis)
Karen
September 17, 2015
Mel, thinking of you, missing you, loving you. Kar
kathi abati
September 17, 2015
Thinking of you today September 17 my Melissa! I miss you so much. I know you had a hand in helping me make this climb....wasn't about how fast I got
there!!!!! I can feel you smiling your gorgeous
smile! I love knowing
you watch over me....I knew you would. I adore
you. Love ya, Kathi
April 9, 2015
Kevin, I am really sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. I will keep your family in my prayers Just to let you know I am your cousin Keith. The son of Robert and Gloria Orie.
Kristin
February 26, 2015
Aunt Mel, just wanted to say I have been thinking about you a lot lately! I miss your smile and your laugh! I know Cameron and Jesse also miss you very much! Give my mom, brother and everyone else a big hug. Life just isn't the same without all of you! I love you Cuz!
February 25, 2015
Thinking of you today as I do many days. It is hard to believe that it has been two years since you were taken from us. Everyone misses you so much. You brought so much joy to all of us. Remembering all the happy, fun times we had together and there were so many of them. From the time you were a baby till the last time I saw you, so many wonderful memories. You were one of a kind that's for sure. So unique and with a smile that lit up the room. Love you today, tomorrow and always. Till we meet again, Linda
Kathi Abati
January 23, 2015
I love you my Melissa and I miss you so much. I know that you are my special angel that watches over me from heaven. I will always remember.... it's THE CLIMB !!!!!
November 6, 2014
My heart goes out to you and your children Kevin. David McHugh
September 17, 2014
Happy Birthday, my sweet Melissa. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss you.
You are always in my heart.
Sis ( Aunt J)
KATHI ABATI
February 25, 2014
MY MELISSA, I LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH. YOU ARE THE MOST PRECIOUS PERSON I WILL KNOW.
February 25, 2014
This year has seemed like it lasted a lifetime! Boy, do we miss your smile and the way you always made each of us feel special. My boys were privileged to have you in their lives as we all were. Cameron LOVES being your 1st godson! Our hearts go out to Kevin, the girls, and your mom, dad, and Eric! We love you! I am sure you are enjoying being with your sister and Mema and Pap and I just know you and my mom are having a blast! Hugs and kisses Mel! We love you!
February 25, 2014
Mel, It's been a year without you. Our hearts are heavy. But your love will always be felt. I miss you Girl. Love, Karen
February 24, 2014
It is so hard to believe that you have been gone from us for a year already. Time moves so fast. To say you are greatly missed is an understatement. You meant so much to so many people. A large void has been left in all of our lives that will never be filled. What we have to do is remember the good times when we were all together laughing,carrying on and enjoying each others company. Thankfully there are many of those times to look back on so fondly. My heart especially goes out to Kevin, your beautiful daughters, your Mum, Dad and brother, Eric. We love you Melissa. You were one of a kind of which there will never be another. Love you always, Linda
February 24, 2014
Melissa,
I still miss you every day. I cannot believe it has been a year since I have seen your beautiful face and heard your voice. What I would give to share one good "belly laugh" with you.
Love,
Aunt Joy (Sis)
February 5, 2014
Hey Mel! Been thinking about you a lot lately! We miss you sooooo much!! Lots of hugs and kisses, especially from your Godson!
Love you,
Krissy, Mike and the boys
Kathi Abati
February 4, 2014
My Precious Melissa, I miss you everyday. I love you- I love you- I love you.
Ken Bierman
January 29, 2014
"Sometimes you'll never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory." Melissa has given me such wonderful memories of my days at Penn State which I will cherish forever. My deepest sympathies and prayers.
Leanna Everett
April 18, 2013
I really enjoyed working out with Melissa at Sailfish. What a beautiful, friendly, energetic woman. I am sorry she left us so young.
Laura Scott
April 18, 2013
Kevin and family...I'm so sorry for your families loss. May each day get easier for you and the girls. Thoughts and prayers to you.
Nikol Bennett
April 13, 2013
I am so sorry to hear the news. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I have had the privilege of meeting Melissa in Stuart, FL 2 years ago playing tennis. What an exceptional young women and a wonderful mom. We will all miss her very much!!!
Drake Schunck
April 5, 2013
Kevin and Family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Melissa's passing. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jessica Johnson
March 26, 2013
What a beautiful person.. She inspires me to do and be better. I am better for having known her and all the joy she brought to those she knew..my thoughts and prayers.
The Family Sailfish Flordia Schmidt
March 26, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Eric Mariani
March 21, 2013
Kevin and family.
Sending heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you from Chicago.
Janet Coulter
March 20, 2013
I received an email early one morning while I was at work of Melissa's passing. I sat there in disbelief. I have known Melissa through the years working out at the gym, even before she was married. I will miss her,smile and kind words, but most of all her presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Janet
Mark and Megg Hondru
March 17, 2013
Kevin, we are very sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and your family.
Lisa Richetti
March 16, 2013
Kevin, so sorry to hear about your loss, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
March 14, 2013
Dear Kevin & Family,
We are so sad to hear about the news of the passing of Melissa. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Jim & Antoinetti Shanahan
March 14, 2013
Prayers are with you
Carol Parris
March 14, 2013
She was such an articulate and confident person whose actions and interactions at Presby are so memorable. She had every gift, but the gift of years. My heartfelt condolences... Carol P.
Aunt Joy (Sis)
March 14, 2013
My beautiful niece, Melissa, is gone and my heart is broken.
She was a loving and devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister, niece and cousin. There is a big void in our family without her in our lives. Everyone that had the privilege of knowing her was aware of what a caring and generous person she was.
If there is a consolation to her passing, it is that she is again with her beloved sister, Kara and the rest of departed family members.
Until me meet again, I will always love her and admire her strength and courage.
March 13, 2013
Dear Kratsa Family,
I am just so sad to hear this news of Melissa. These photos of her are beautiful, and she is just as I remember. On behalf of my family, our sincere condolences to you, Kevin & their beautiful little girls now & always; we are thinking and praying for you over this very difficult time. All our Love, Jenny Smith Thompson & Family
Jenn Robb
March 13, 2013
Melissa was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on out the outside. She always had a smile on her face, and was so genuine in everything she said and did. Thinking of all of you.
Anita Nayak-MacPhee
March 13, 2013
Melissa was always so elegant and classy when we met as sorority sisters at Penn State. She had a smiling that could light up an entire room. My deepest sympathy to both the Kratsa and Orie families.
Steve & Mashawn Lorenz
March 12, 2013
We're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike
March 12, 2013
Heartfelt sympathy to your family.
Kevin Clarke
March 12, 2013
Kev,
What a horrible tragedy. My heart is truly heavy for you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
Heather, Nick Bonaroti
March 12, 2013
Our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Melissa's death. We are here to support you. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Mike Mangieri
March 12, 2013
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Will Graeber family
March 12, 2013
So sorry - Love, thoughts and prayers.
Danny Flynn
March 12, 2013
Kratsa family, I am so sad and have been remembering all the great moments I shared with Melissa growing up. I am so sorry!
March 12, 2013
Kevin, Our deepest sympathies go to your entire family! We are truley saddened by your loss. Mike and Heather Geisler - New Market Maryland
March 11, 2013
So sorry for your loss....Steve and Lynn
Kate Hecht Fitzgerald
March 11, 2013
Kevin,
My sympathy & prayers are with you & your entire family. So sorry for your loss.
Stephanie Quattrone-Kermes
March 11, 2013
Kevin,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. When you first met Melissa, Fran spoke the world of her...Her beauty, kindness, and spirit will live on. Sending thoughts and prayers to you, your girls, and the Krasta family.
Carma Rey Klaja
March 11, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Melissa's entire family. So very sorry for your loss.
Mary Howard
March 11, 2013
many prayers go out to your family during this very difficult time,may God Bless You and Your Family now and forever
March 11, 2013
Dear Kevin,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved wife, Melissa. She was truly a lovely and remarkable person who we will miss interacting with at the gym. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen and Gerry Goga
Jackie Riemer
March 11, 2013
I am so very sorry to hear the loss of Melissa. I have not seen her in years, but have many memories of her in elementary through highschool. I pray that your faith helps comfort you in this hard time. God bless!
Christine Bradley
March 11, 2013
To the Orie & Kratsa Families,
Melissa was a beautiful person, always asking about others while she was so ill. She was a wonderful & caring person.
My deepest sympathy.
I will miss her.
May God Bless You,
Chris Bradley
March 11, 2013
Dear Orie and Kratsa families,
With deepest sympathy for your loss! Although I had only spoken with Melissa a handful of times at CDTCA, it was obvious to me that she was a kind, beautiful, and caring person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kelly Rovnan
March 11, 2013
Kevin
Words can't express how deeply and sadly I feel for you and your family.Your wife was the epitome of grace ,compassion, and loveliness.Please remember you will always be in my prayers.
Dr.Anthony Gentile
Howard Smiga
March 10, 2013
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. May your wonderful memories of her bring you strength at this time.
March 10, 2013
My Dear Kevin, Marianne and Nick,
There are no words that can begin to express my shock and sadness with this tragic news! Melissa was such a bright spot in my life and she will continue to live in my heart with her beautiful smile and endless kindness. I will keep you all in my prayers...
With a heavy heart,
Carol Kinkela/Carabella
Jennifer Campbell-Perry
March 10, 2013
I am so sorry to hear the news… and deeply saddened. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Eric Smiga
March 10, 2013
Kevin,
I can't even begin to express enough sympathy to you and your children. I only hope that you will enjoy all your memories together.
Eric Smiga
Theresa Price
March 10, 2013
Dear Kratsa & Orie Family,
God has a protective hedge surrounding your family. The wind of God's spirit is blowing in your direction. God's open arms will continue to comfort you. God bless you.
Dori Greco Rutherford
March 10, 2013
Dear Kratsa Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mark Gentile
March 10, 2013
Kevin
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cathleen Trainor
March 10, 2013
Our deepest condolences. From the Trainor Family. Cathleen, John, Michael, Anne
Jerry Sciulli
March 10, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. It is always a tragedy when someone is taken to soon. God bless you all.
Krissy, Big Mike, Cameron, and Jesse
March 10, 2013
Kevin, Ava, Kara, Alexa, Marianne, Nick, and Eric,
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our beloved Aunt Mel! Know we are praying for all of you and you have our hugs and kisses!
Marge Sciulli
March 10, 2013
I had the pleasure of baby sitting Melissa, Eric, and Kara when we were all kids. I am shocked and saddened by the news of Melissa's passing. She was such a sweet person. May you all find comfort in the beautiful memories that you have and in the company of your wonderful and loving family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Three Loves of her Life!
March 9, 2013
First Day of Kindergarten!
March 9, 2013
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