Melissa Louise Anderson
It is with profound sadness we share the news that Melissa Anderson passed away May 5th at the age of 42 after a heroic, two-year battle with cancer.
Melissa was born in Clearwater, British Columbia to Marvin and Karen Dynna and grew up in several communities in Saskatchewan and British Columbia with her sister Wendy and brother Joel. Melissa’s family moved to Dawson Creek, BC where she started attending the Ron Pettigrew Christian School in grade 8 where she met her future husband, Jeffery Anderson. In her final year of high school, Melissa was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. Melissa was relocated to Edmonton, Alberta for treatment and Jeff made frequent trips between and after classes to sit with her in the hospital while she underwent treatments and surgeries. Jeff and Melissa fell deeply in love through this difficult time and, fully appreciating how short and precious life is, they decided to get married at the age of just 18. Melissa’s first battle with cancer continued for several years after their marriage, including a miraculous open-heart surgery in her early 20s. Beating all the odds and proving her unwavering determination to realize her dream of being a mother, Melissa brought two healthy and incredible miracles into this world, Lauren (2008) and Julia (2011). Melissa, Jeff, Lauren and Julia made countless beautiful memories over the years that followed. No one was better at finding the beauty and goodness in the everyday than Melissa. She deeply and sincerely loved the daily ups, downs, and joys of raising Lauren and Julia. She reveled in watching them dance, perform at gymnastics, and loved even the simple things like hearing their daily debrief on how their school day went. In addition to putting her whole heart and soul into being a mother, Melissa refined her considerable skills as an author and developed a loyal following of her poetry and prose. Melissa’s unique perspective on love and the fragility and beauty of life shone through her works providing a source of inspiration to many. Melissa’s work was featured in print and online publications, and she published a collection of her work in 2024 in the book fire, salt, light. Tragically, Melissa received a 2nd cancer diagnosis in 2023, but the dozens of chemotherapy treatments, numerous surgeries, procedures, and scans never extinguished her hope, optimism, and positivity. Melissa would often be the one encouraging others in the face of her own adversity and pain, and she never wavered from her dedication to being the best possible mother and wife for her family. Melissa was a beacon of love, positivity and encouragement to all who knew her.
Melissa leaves behind her loving parents, Marvin and Karen Dynna, sister Wendy and her family, brother Joel and his family, parents in-law Dave and Joanne Anderson, sister in-law, Heidi and her husband, brother in-law, Greg and his family, along with extended family and many friends.
She will be forever loved and missed by her husband Jeff and daughters Lauren and Julia.
Melissa, Jeff, Lauren and Julia were and continue to be deeply grateful for the support of friends and family over the last couple of years. Long-distance trips to encourage and support, meals, encouraging gifts, help with errands, and the many other ways people showed care and love for Melissa and her family were all very much appreciated.
A special thank-you also goes to the medical professionals that helped Melissa - in particular the doctors and nurses of the Cross Cancer Clinic, the Lois Hole Centre for Women, and the Grey Nuns Palliative unit. Thank you to everyone that did their part to treat, heal, and support Melissa.
Celebration of Life
1:00PM Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Hope City Church
2225 66 St NW, Edmonton, AB
In keeping with Melissa’s request that this be a celebration of her joyful life, you are invited to incorporate colour; all-black attire is not required.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta at https://rmhcalberta.org/
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