August 17, 1988 - May 15, 2021
On May 15, 2021, the world lost a brilliant shining star who inspired others to be adventurous, brave & fierce but in the most beautiful, kind, and generous way. After a long and difficult battle with cancer, Melissa passed surrounded by her closest family in the bedroom she grew up in.
Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her was impacted by Melissa’s compassion, strength, bravery and conviction. At the young age of 15, Melissa went to the Dominican Republic for humanitarian work. A few years later, having lived there on and off, she inspired the Ontario Home Builder’s Association to rally 189 Ontario homebuilders to take on a massive home building project in one of the most desolate areas of the country. With Melissa’s lead, this initiative would become the Builders 4 Change organization, continuing to provide humanitarian support in the DR, two additional trips were organized, completing more homes and a much-needed community centre for children. Melissa didn’t stop there: her humanitarian work took her to Haiti and Africa. Her dedication to this cause will live on through her surrogate sister, AnaMilka, who Melissa sponsored to come to Canada from the Dominican Republic to earn her post-secondary education.
Today, a charitable organization exists under this name where funds invested will allow children from underprivileged children from the Dominican Republic can gain access to education.
Melissa cared extremely deeply for her huge family, both immediate and extended. Having 2 siblings, 28 aunts and uncles, 36 first cousins and one nephew, she was intensely dedicated to remaining connected at a deep level with all of them. Melissa had a deep connection with her only surviving grandparent, Mere. At 91 years old, Melissa loved her dearly and had a very unique relationship with her as the only grandchild who could get away with accusing her of cheating while playing cards. Their relationship was very special to Mere who will certainly miss her constant teasing!
In her last days, Melissa again taught all of us how to live life to the fullest. She told those who were closest to her: “I have no regrets. There is a lot more I wish I could do with my life, but I have no regrets.”
Melissa’s legacy will be carried on through her parents: Gail Bazely (Trainor) and James Bazely, brother David Bazely (Courtney), sister Kathleen Bazely and newest addition, nephew Benjamin Bazely; ‘sister’ AnaMilka De LaRosa.
Trainor’s: Predeceased by grandparents Wally & Frances, and uncle Stephen.
Surviving uncles, aunts and cousins: Patti, Michael, Robbie, Bryan, Bob, Diane, Andy, Jason, Sandra, Greg, Gabby, Kathy, Dan, Joel, Justin and Eric
Bazely’s: Predeceased by grandfather, Don.
Surviving grandmother Mere, uncles, aunts and cousins: Virginia, Ron, Jennifer, Veronica, Sab, Antony, Anna, Alex, Rachel, Michaela, Derek, Paul, Rebecca, Jeremy, Tovah, Brandon, Isaiah, Denise, Mark, Bernie, Kate (sister/cousin), Riley, Ally (sister/cousin), Sam, Hilmir, Andy, Josh, Ryan, Brian, Lisa, Dani, Ella, Charlie, Matthew, Renee, Nora, Evelyn, Vanessa, Eoin, Grace, Ciaran, Nieve, Victoria, Marcus, Kiewan, Shavon, Patrick, Kailyn, Rushton, McKinlay, Luke, Natalie, Rowynn, Addison, Talia (her 3 special chickens!)
A special heartfelt thank you to all those angels who helped us and Melissa through this time - you know who you all are.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Builders 4 Change to help her family and friends continue Melissa’s legacy.
Builder4change
Mailing Address: 120 Clapperton St, Barrie ON, L4M 3G4
Etransfer to: (Builders4change@gmail.com)
Online memories and condolences may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com