Melissa S. Radovanovic

Melissa Rowe Radovanovic left everything better than she found it. Her family, her work, and her community were her focus in life. She was a kind soul whose honest smile was always a warm comfort. Even as a fledgling 16-year-old nurse assistant, she calmed minds and cleansed the bodies of those in need.

In 1993, at 26 years old, she met her mate, David Radovanovic, on the grounds of the World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee. David was recently divorced and the single father of then-3-year-old Leland. For Melissa, Leland was always her flesh and blood. Soon after, in 1995, Emil was born, and she grew her new family with love and tenderness.

In 2000, Melissa and David took a leap of faith and moved to the Northeast, settling in Saugerties, New York. After working full-time and studying at night for six years, Melissa completed her Masters in Nurse Administration at SUNY New Paltz.

Her lifelong administrative work in hospice and healthcare brought her to her most recent role as a traveling "Site Visitor" for the Community Healthcare Accreditation Program (CHAP), where she grew into her new self. Traveling to new places was an adventure full of fresh flavors, new smells, and the gracious smiles of struggling entrepreneurs. At home, she recounted stories about the beautiful people she met and the special places she saw.

It was the coldest day of 2023 when she passed, with her family by her side, listening to Prince and her other favorite teen heartthrob ballads.

Melissa, you left us way too soon. However, our love for you will endure as we continue to love you more with each passing day.

David, Emil, Leland, Shylah, and your beloved doggies, Duncan and Tony

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