Melissa Erin O'Malley

Melissa Erin O'Malley, a vibrant soul known for her infectious laughter and a passion for life, left us far too soon on April 14, 2024, following a tragic fall. Born on November 16, 2002, in Philadelphia, PA, Melissa's journey was a whirlwind of color, creativity, and the kind of humor that could catch you off guard in the best way possible.

Survived by her parents Missy O’Malley (Crossan) and Patrick O’Malley, her brother Patrick Flynn O’Malley, her boyfriend Eric Jastrzembski and her beloved dog Ronick.  Her Grandparents Dorothy Crossan (Ryan) and Edward Crossan (passed.) Joseph "Jack" O’Malley and Dolores Sherwood (Taft) (passed).  Her soul sisters Aunt Bettyanne Crossan (Layden) and cousin Lizanne Davis (Crossan).  Priceless and countless Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends 

Melissa, a junior at the University of Tampa, was a marketing and public relations student. She embraced her studies and every aspect of college life. A diligent student, she was on the fast track to donning that cap and gown in 2025. Between lectures and library sessions, she managed to balance a part-time job at Dairy Joy, where she was known not just for her work ethic, but for leaving a trail of giggles and grins in her wake.

Art was one of Melissa's loves—her brushes and pens conjured vivid worlds on canvas and paper. Her paintings and drawings were more than just art; they were pieces of her colorful soul. And let's not forget the handwritten letters to her loved ones —hundreds of them over her lifetime—each one a papery hug, a tangible whisper of her voice that we'll treasure forever.

Florida's sun-kissed beaches were her sanctuary, the place where she could soak up the sun and let the waves whisper to her spirit. She believed in spirit signs and saw them everywhere.

It was the combination of sandy shores and big city life that called Melissa to the University of Tampa where she met even more lifelong friends and was always surrounded by love.  Especially her best friend and roommate, Hannah. 

Melissa was a beacon of positivity; she was the go-to counselor and advisor for anyone in need. Her innate ability to listen, really listen, and then dish out advice that was equal parts wisdom and wit, made her the cornerstone of her circle and her family. She spent much of her years bossing around her little brother while making sure she was guiding and loving him.  She had this magical knack for turning a frown upside down, and her shoulder primed for a friend's tears or head to rest upon.

But oh, her humor—it was a force of nature. Melissa wielded sarcasm with the precision of a surgeon and wasn't afraid to dive into off-color comedy. She knew how to read a room, though, and always let her pure heart shine through before unleashing her comedic storm.

The "Melissa web" of conversations was legendary. You'd start talking about one thing, and before you knew it, you were six degrees from where you began, yet everything was beautifully interconnected. She'd reel you into her world with stories and insights, each twist and turn more captivating than the last.

Her laughter contagious. She didn't just make you laugh; she made you belly laugh. Her dad always said Melissa was his sunshine, and he wasn't just being poetic—she literally lit up a room, her radiance outshining the brightest of bulbs

Melissa was obsessed with her dog, Ronick.  She would even ask to FaceTime him from Florida.  She loved her family and friends so deeply.  Her dog was her spirit animal. 

Though her time with us was cut tragically short, Melissa Erin O'Malley's legacy is one of joy, creativity, and the kind of laughter that echoes in our hearts forever. In her 21 years, she gifted us with a lifetime's worth of memories and taught us that life, just like a good joke, is all about the delivery. Melissa, you were truly one of a kind, and we're all better for having been part of your audience. Curtain call may have come too soon, but the applause will resonate eternally.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation 6-8:30 P.M. Monday, April 22nd and 9-10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 23rd at St. Anastasia's Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA  19073 followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. at the Church.  Interment Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, family request donations in memory of Melissa be made to Unite for Her, 127 East Chestnut Street, First floor, West Chester PA 19380 https://www.uniteforher.org/ OR  Matthew’s Moonlight Foundation, PO Box 372, Broomall PA 19008
http://matthewsmoonlight.org/donate/