Melissa Eileen Jozefiak

Melissa Eileen Jozefiak, 58, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, passed away on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Chester County Hospital. Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Donald Patrick and Rosemary (Losee) Flynn. She was the beloved wife of Steven Paul Jozefiak, with whom she shared 30 years of marriage.
The youngest of seven, Melissa developed her good work ethic delivering The Berkshire Eagle's afternoon newspaper starting at the age of seven. After attending both catholic and public schools, she graduated from Taconic High School in Pittsfield, MA, the University of Massachusetts (Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting) and the University of Albany - SUNY, where she earned her Master of Science degree in Taxation.
Melissa met Steve, the love of her life, while employed at General Electric Company's Plastics Division in Pittsfield. After transferring to General Electric in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Melissa and Steve eventually found their way to Downingtown, PA, where they settled and established their family and many friends for the next 30 years. Switching careers to accommodate her family while raising her children, Melissa began working as a paraprofessional at an elementary school in the Downingtown Area School District where she assisted children with special needs. She expressed many times how much she enjoyed working with these beautiful children. Once her own children were grown, Melissa began her new career as the Director of Grant Development for Catamount Medical Education, Inc. Her ability to collaborate and communicate made it possible to seamlessly transition between careers.
Since childhood, Melissa was always considered the life of the party. The laughter would begin immediately after her arrival. Her exuberance made even the shyest attendees feel included and loved. Melissa was generous; not only with her possessions but also with her time and talent. Whether it be helping with a start-up business or campaigning for an office, when it came to her loved ones, their passion became her passion.
For Melissa, her two children, Lea and Gregory, were her world, and most of her activities revolved around them. From cooking, skiing, hiking, kayaking, doing puzzles, playing cards, Yahtzee, or Scrabble, it was all about being with her children. She was happiest when spending time with her children; be it helping her daughter set up her new house or chime in on her son's musical ambitions. She was particularly fond of her daily walks with Steve and running into their many neighborhood friends to chat. Melissa loved spending time with her family at her condo in the Vermont mountains, taking trips to the ocean, and visiting her family and friends in The Berkshires in Massachusetts. She enjoyed her role as the liaison between her family in The Berkshires and her Dad's extended family in Michigan, where she would often visit to reconnect.
In addition to her husband, Melissa is survived by her daughter, Lea Rose Jozefiak (28), her son, Gregory Steven Jozefiak (25); by six siblings: Victoria J. Moyer (Dale), Aaron P. Flynn (Linda), Colleen G. Foisy (John), Brian P. Flynn (Deborah), Rebecca A. Herzog (Gary), and Patricia M. Harris (Alan Delphia); by her niece, Meghan A. Chase (Daniel); nephew, Mitchell S. Harris; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received from 10:00-11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown. A time of sharing will be held at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SHiNE (The Chester County Hospital Foundation), an organization that provides cancer patients with resources as well as services that are typically uncovered by medical insurance.