Melissa Anne Delmonico was born on November 20, 1989 in Providence, Rhode Island and it was clear that this beautiful bright-eyed baby was going to be someone very special. From a very young age, Melissa was warm-hearted and filled with love and joy. She loved making memories with her family and good friends ... horseback riding, holiday dinners, Disney, and Six Flags were a few of her favorites. Melissa was thoughtful of others, too.

She always had others in mind and if she could, she would try to make their day memorable somehow. For instance, whenever Melissa would visit her grandmother, she would pick a fresh bouquet of buttercups for her. This past year, as a gift to her grandmother, Melissa made a beautiful hand-stitched quilt of her great-grandmother's clothing as a keepsake. Who could have known that this would be such a memorable parting gift?

She was a bright, motivated go-getter, especially when it came to school. As a high school honor student, Melissa was thrilled to be accepted into CCRI in pursuit of her long-term goal of becoming a nurse. Even though she worked hard as a student at CCRI, she found time to help other students with their study needs. Melissa was smart, articulate, caring and had a nurturing way about her. Of course, to be a nurse you have to be someone very special. Yes, Melissa was someone very special ...

Unfortunately, Melissa's life was ended too soon. She wouldn't have another holiday dinner ever again ... she wouldn't have a blast at Six Flags ever again ... she wouldn't pick buttercups for her grandmother ever again ... and she would never achieve her goal of becoming a nurse. All that is left is the memory of Melissa and the lasting impression on the lives she touched.

Remembering Melissa

I remember you as a sweet little girl with the personality to match. You were always like a 'big girl' to me. You couldn't wait to grow up, and you did a great job!!! I miss you so much …

Lynda

I recall sitting next to Melissa in math class for two years, where we would copy each other's homework and do all of our class projects together. I truly miss her beautiful and innocent smile. She always lit up a room and made any situation better…

Jamil

You will never know how many lives you touched throughout your life. You were a wonderful person, caring for everyone and everything. You were one of the best friends anyone could ever ask for. We all miss you so much – your life was taken too soon. In our thoughts, you are still here …

Michele, Amanda & Hailey

Melissa was like a sister to me. We loved taking long walks around the stadium together, riding horses, writing notes to each other, and having sleepovers. I will never forget New Year's Eve when we spent the night talking and laughing so much that we completely lost track of time and missed the ball dropping, which we joked that, 'only us' would do. I love and miss Melissa so much …

Kerr