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/
Melissa was such a dear friend to me for the 12 years that I have lived in Beaumont, Alberta. We met when she had advertised a table she was selling. I came to pick it up and we instantly became friends right on her doorstep! We exchanged phone numbers, and got together for coffee and lunches. We learned that we were both blessed with girls the exact same age (birthdays only days apart from one another). So, we then spent summers together at various swimming pools and splash parks where our girls became fast friends and went to school together. Over the years we had gone to Canmore for a weekend getaway where we would crash hot tubs! Melissa was a rock to me. She was always there to listen or lend a hand. I will miss her smile & laugh so very much. I will forever love and think of her.
My absolute sincerest condolences to Jeff, Lauren, & Julia. Also my condolences to Melissa’s family and her friend network. We were all so truly blessed to be apart of her life. Sending love, hugs, & prayers. XO
Dear Jeff,
I was deeply saddened to learn of your wife’s passing. I know she fought a courageous battle with cancer. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Thinking of you,
So extremely sorry to hear of Melissa’s passing. Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to Jeff, Lauren, Julia and all family members.
Melissa was such an incredible inspiration of hope, joy and love to everyone around her. Even though we did not see Melissa and her family very often due to distance, her inspiration reached us over the miles. She was an incredibly beautiful woman, inside and out, with a smile that reflected her sweet and strong spirit.
May the Lord hold each family member’s tears and surround each one with His peace and comfort.
Dear Jeff, Lauren and Julia,
Melissa will always be an inspiration to us all for how she chose life and we will miss her dearly. We find solace in knowing her incredible spirit lives on through her loved ones, and the amazing legacy she leaves behind to all those who knew her. She will be cheering you all on until the day she sees you again…
Thank you Melissa for the times you shared with us, we love you and will miss you…
The Chongs
A beautiful life taken much too soon.💔 My deepest and sincerest sympathies to Jeff, Lauren, Julia, Karen, Marvin, Wendy, Ryan& family, and all family and friends touched by Melissa’s beautiful soul. I am so grateful I had the blessing of knowing Melissa and being her massage therapist for several years. We shared many deep and beautiful conversations which I will always hold in a special place in my heart. ♥️ I always admired her courage, strength, kindness, and loving heart. She will be greatly missed by so many. May you rest in peace, beautiful soul. 🙏🏻🥰
We were so sorry to hear about Melissa. She was one of kindest and most grounded people weve ever known. We are all better from knowing her, I wish I could have known her better. My condolences to you Jeff and the kids.
Dear Jeff, Lauren, and Julia,
I was heartbroken to hear about Melissa’s passing. Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. My heart goes out to you during this very difficult time. Melissa’s life was a powerful testament to love, courage, and an unbreakable spirit. She began fighting cancer when she was only 18. She fought with a strength far beyond her years—through multiple battles, countless treatments, and impossible odds. Yet through it all, she never gave up on her dreams. She built a beautiful life and family filled with purpose, love, and hope.
Jeff, your love story with Melissa is deeply touching. Your love—rooted in friendship, tested through hardship, and grown with unwavering loyalty—is one of the purest testaments to devotion I’ve ever known. The way you walked with her through each storm, especially from such a young age, is both inspiring and deeply moving. You were by her side from the very beginning, and the life you built together was filled with care, support, and deep love. You and Melissa created a family full of love, joy, and unforgettable memories. May her strength and the life you shared continue to guide and carry you in the days ahead.
Lauren and Julia, your mom was one of the strongest people I’ve ever heard about. She began fighting cancer when she was just a teenager, but she never let it stop her from becoming the incredible mom she dreamed of being. Both of you were her pride, her greatest miracles, and her biggest joy. Your mom was so proud of you and loved you more than anything. She went through so much so she could be your mom, and she loved every moment she spent with you—watching you dance, do gymnastics, or just hearing about your day. She will always be with you in your hearts, and her love will never go away. Please hold each other close and stay strong together with your amazing dad. He loves you more than words can say, and the three of you share a very special bond. Your mom’s love will always be with you—it lives in your hearts and in the love you share as a family. She would want you to take care of one another, support each other, and keep creating beautiful moments together, just like she always did with you.
Melissa’s life was full of love, strength, and kindness. She will always be remembered and deeply missed. Rest in peace, Melissa. You showed us what it means to truly live, love, and fight with grace. Your love and courage will never be forgotten.
Rongzhen Jin
Dear Jeff, I was trully sorry to hear about the passing of your wife Melissa. I know there are no words that can ease the pain you are feeling right now, but please know that you have my deepest sympathy. I give you a heartfelt hug and my most sincere condolences to you and your family
Dear Jeff,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss – Please accept my sincere condolences. All my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Dear Marvin, Karen and family. We were so sad to hear of Melissa’s passing. We are lifting you all up in prayer. We can’t imagine the depth of your loss – we are so sorry.
Love you, cousins