Elyse Simone Mele And Justin Michael Burnell

In Loving Memory of Elyse Simone Mele and Justin Michael Burnell
With profound sadness, we share the sudden and tragic passing of Elyse Simone Mele and her beloved husband, Justin Michael Burnell, along with their cherished dog, Ada. Though their time together was brief, their love and impact on those around them were immeasurable. Their shared passion for creativity, literature, and craftsmanship defined their journey, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered. A memorial gathering will be held 2:00PM – 4:00PM, Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133. Memorial contributions may be made to GoFundMe Elyse & Justin Memorial Fund.
Elyse Simone Mele
Born on November 27, 1991, in Englewood, Colorado, Elyse was a gifted writer, artist, and entrepreneur. A brilliant mind, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University with a degree in English. Her love of language and poetry led her to the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts in Poetry.
Simone's creativity knew no bounds. As a managing partner at Swordfish Tom's, she applied her artistry not just to words, but also to ceramics, knitting, and mixology, crafting experiences as rich and meaningful as her poetry. Her warmth and vision touched everyone who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jacob and Annie Terhorst, and V. William and Antoinette Mele, her uncle Michael Mele, and her uncle Charles Ulbricht. Elyse is survived by her loving parents, Maggie (Joe) Buffalin and Bill (Susan) Mele; her brothers, Will (Mandy) Mele and Nick (Sandi) Mele; step-siblings Gabrielle San Antonio (Aaron), Steve and Kevin (Petra) Buffalin, and Kristin (Robert) Gomez; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and five nephews who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
Justin Michael Burnell
Justin Michael Burnell, 43, was born on November 16, 1981, in Ottawa, Illinois, and spent much of his life embracing adventure, literature, and creativity. A natural storyteller, Justin pursued his passion for writing by earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from the University of New Orleans. He devoted his life to inspiring students in his English and creative writing courses, fostering their voices as he developed his own.
Justin's journey took him from New Orleans to New York City, Iowa City, and finally, Kansas City. His dedication to writing led to works published in NOLA Fugees, The Columbia Journal, Guernica, The New Guard Review, The Rumpus, Arkana Mag, and Queen Mob's Tea House. He and Elyse shared not only a love for literature but also for mixology-more than bartenders, they were true craftsmen of their trade. Their establishments, which they co-owned, were honored with two James Beard Award nominations for their excellence and innovation.
Justin and Elyse were married in a breathtaking ceremony on February 15, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana, officiated by their dear friend, Jarret Lofstead. Their love, built on creativity, mutual respect, and a shared passion for life, was a testament to the beauty of their spirits. While their passing is an unbearable loss, solace is found in knowing they remained together.
Justin is survived by his loving mother, Stephanie Burnell; his sister, Meghann Nicholson; his grandparents, Doris and Dwight Nicholson; his uncle, Dennis (Mary) Burnell; his aunt, Sabrina Nicholson; his uncle, Dallas (Elaine) Nicholson; and many cousins who will hold his memory close. He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Amy Nicholson; his aunts, Lorena Nicholson and Mary-Jo Burnell; his uncle, Rick Burnell; and his grandparents, Jean and Richard Burnell.