HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to Enniskillen woman Melissa Taylor (nee Hassard) who tragically lost her battle with cancer on Thursday, January 21, aged 28.
Melissa, of Crownhall Road, Glencunny, passed away peacefully at her home.
The popular Melissa has been described as a the ‘life and soul’ of her friend group and was the beloved daughter of Irvine and Fiona Hassard, sister of Richard and wife to Clive.
Melissa who worked at Boots in Enniskillen for 12 years, was diagnosed with cancer back in 2013, but fought her illness with courage and dignity, reflected in the huge outpouring of sympathy on social media.
Speaking this week to the Herald some of her closest friends Leah Dean, Carla O’Neill, Laura McAdam, Jane Mitten, Lauren McManus, Stephanie Wray and Sammy Cheshire paid a glowing tribute to the “brave one” of the group, who “lived a life of love”.
“Melissa was the life and soul of our friend group, she filled every room she entered with laughter and happiness. Her personality was interesting and always fun. Melissa taught each of us a lot about life in the fantastic way she faced her challenges and had the ability to let those difficult times strengthen her. Her positive attitude was cherished by us all, she was always the brave one and always will be. Through all her hardships she was still there whenever we were down to pick us up. She Lived a life of love, and loved life. We feel so lucky she chose us as her friends.”
Melissa’s funeral service was held on Saturday afternoon at Rossorry Parish Church, Enniskillen. In his address Revd Canon Ian Ellis said the full church was a wonderful tribute to Melissa and showed the high esteem and great affection in which she and her family are held.
“However I think that another reason why we are drawn here is that she has died as a young woman with the whole of her adult life ahead of her, and that we all have lost a very special bright and radiant presence in our lives.”
Revd Ellis then spoke about the “remarkable way” in which Melissa fought her illness
“The word ‘journey’ is much overused today but she has completed an arduous journey with cancer in the most remarkable way.
“She has undergone three cycles of chemotherapy and has come through them with the most amazing spirit and positive attitude which touched everyone she came into contact with. During this period she used her time to raise thousands of pounds for several charities close to her heart – the SANDS charity for families who have suffered still birth or neo-natal death and the NI Cancer fund for Children when she took part in a sponsored sky dive.”
On October 29, 2015 Melisssa and Clive were married at Rossorry Church and Revd Ellis said it was a day that will never be forgotten.
“Melissa and Clive were just so happy and she was radiant, vivacious and in fantastic form – and she was determined to enjoy it to the full.”
Just ten weeks later the large crowds gathered to say farewell to Melissa and celebrate her inspirational example.
“Melissa has had her fair share of life’s hardships in her short life, but as we have seen she has inspired so many with her courage in fighting cancer, and her dignity in facing death,” Revd Ellis added.
The funeral service was followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
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