Melissa Ann Rainone

Melissa Ann Rainone

Melissa Ann Rainone, 52, of Hilliard, FL, formerly of New Rochelle and Corning NY, passed away peacefully after a long battle with pancreatic cancer on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at the Warner Center Hospice facility surrounded by her close family. Melissa was born on July 23, 1968 in Corning, NY. Daughter of the late Jo Ann Tuma and David Tuma, she was a graduate of Corning East High and from Arnot Ogden School of Nursing. She attended Elmira College and studied at Capella University, where she was still working towards a Masters in Nursing degree. Melissa worked at Split Rock Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center as Home Care Director of Nursing through the majority of 2020. Melissa previously worked in the healthcare field through several decades. She found intense passion in nursing, and nothing gave her more pleasure in the world than to help others. She especially loved mentoring her staff and encouraging them to learn and grow, taking much pride in her work. She will be loved and missed most by her close friends, and all of the countless hearts she has touched over the years. Melissa is survived by her daughter, Laura Dolan, her sons Josh Batchelder and Dennis Skay, her sons-in-law Connor Dolan and Robert Hayes.

She is also survived by her sister, Carrie, her father, David, and her brothers Mike and David. Her special friend, Walter Hubbard, remained by her side for nearly 10 years. Melissa leaves behind her faithful canine Mowgli. She was predeceased by her brother Lee, her mother Jo Ann, and her loyal dog Isabella.

Melissa loved her family, and her favorite place in the world was wherever she could dip her toes into the sand. Her artwork brought joy to her and everyone around her. She loved going to see tearjerker romantic movies, going on vacations, working on household projects, and eating at restaurants.

Just after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Melissa was able to attend her daughter's wedding in Georgia, listen to her son Dennis's new music, and dedicate spending all of her time with her children. For her 52nd birthday this year, she went on a vacation with family to Savannah, Georgia and to a quiet retreat at a rented-house in Darien, Georgia. Most recently, she took a trip back to New York, where she was able to attend her son Josh's wedding and travel upstate to visit old stomping grounds.

Close family and friends will be notified privately about a forthcoming memorial to be held in Ellijay, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Melissa's name. If you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills, well, the landslide will bring it down.