I worked with Melissa years ago at Citrix Systems. She was one of the kindest people I have met. So much fun and so welcoming. I was still new and learning about Field Sales. She made me feel confident and encouraged me to pursue a career in field sales. Melissa was one of the few people who supported women in the tech world. She wasn't competing with you she was uplifting you. I wish I had a chance to tell her how much of an impact she made. Sometime a thank you seems like enough but this is a reminder to let those who impact your life know they did. I have thought of her often and will keep her in my prayers.
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Melissa was one of those rare people who felt like home and adventure at the same time. We were good friends, colleagues, and more than a little bit partners in crime. I will always treasure our long lunches at The Sloop, our shared obsession with Outlander, and our mutual talent for turning any ordinary gathering into a proper party. She had a spark that was impossible to miss—a big, open spirit that welcomed everyone. Melissa was truly a stranger to no one, and she took real joy in making new friends wherever she went.
We shared so many great memories during our Citrix days and later as wide-eyed, hopeful participants in a promising startup—full of optimism, ideas, and probably just enough trouble to keep things interesting. I was genuinely sad when she moved away from Seattle, and I regret that we didn’t stay as close after that. Still, some connections don’t fade with distance or time, and Melissa will always have a place in my heart.
I pray she is resting peacefully now, in a better place, free and light—probably making new friends already. I’m grateful for the laughter, the mischief, and the warmth she brought into my life. I loved her spirit, and I will never forget her.
Love you, Melissa.
Willy 💙
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I was so sorry to hear about Melissa's passing, I hope the family finds strength in dealing with the loss.
I worked with Melissa at Cisco. She was a joy to work with - she was a go-getter and came up creative ways to get customers interested in our products. She brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm in what we were doing. She will be missed.
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Mel had a wonderful personality and huge heart, a consummate sales professional with a talent for inter personal relationships. She made you feel special and valued, I will miss her.
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Very sad to hear of Melissa's passing.
We worked together at Cisco and she was an absolute rockstar. Always going the extra mile to colleagues and customers.
Her enthusiasm and zest for adventure will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to her family.
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2019, Ballard Locks Fish Ladder, West Commodore Way, Seattle, WA, USA
Ballard showed our family around. Shown with my son Drake, husband Chris and son Bryce
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2019, Ballard, Seattle, WA, USA
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I’m so so sorry to hear this news. Melissa has such a quick wit. Always encouraging and so loved her doggies. I met Melissa in San Francisco and she welcomed us with open arms. Had fun going out as we did in our 20s in the city. Enjoyed skiing, mountain biking and having fun with her in Steamboat. Loved her determination with the restaurant business and respected her savvy and acumen in IT sales. Visited with her in Seattle several years ago and enjoyed her giving us a tour of the locks and always enjoyed her cheerful chuckle. She will be so sorely missed.
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I had the pleasure of working with Melissa for years at Cisco. She was a pleasure to work with as she was always smiling and never let the little things get her done. You will be missed Melissa! My condolences to her family and loved ones.
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I am shocked to hear this 😢. I worked closely with Melissa several years ago. She was so easy to like and get along with. We had fun together working in a high stress environment. I remember she inherited a horse :) and she adored animals. She will be truly missed. Condolences to all her loved ones.
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I was so saddened to hear of Melissa’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with her briefly at Cisco back in 2012-2013. Even though it was some time ago, I still vividly remember how positive and fun she was to be around. She brought such a great energy to the team. My deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones.
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My condolences as this comes as a shock. Melissa and I worked together for only a short period of time at Trend Micro; however, she made a lasting impression on me. I was new to sales and demonstrated the qualities of the type of salesperson I wanted to be. Honest, thoughtful, genuine, and transparent. Those traits served me well throughout my career! She was all of that and more. RIP in Melissa. The world is a lesser place without you in it.
Mike
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At Citrix me and Melissa always had a blast! Whether it was internal meetings, external events, etc. We always were the life of the party; where customers and partners alike wanted to roll with. My favorite memory was at a Seahawks/Eagles game in Seattle. Being from Philadelphia I was rooting for the wrong team up there, but Melissa was a good sport and hung out afterwards with a pack of traveling Eagles fans. Although that was the only time we did anything that didn't involve a customer or partner we were still the same people. That is what I admired most about Melissa is that we always kept it real and that is why we hit it off so well. HE>i
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2017, Fremont, Seattle, WA, USA
Melissa and Elodie hanging out in Ballard
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2017, Ballard, Seattle, WA, USA
Melissa and Claire getting ready for Halloween
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I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Melissa.
During my time at Microsoft, my team and I worked with her when she was with Cisco. We spent a few sessions working closely with her and her team on the Cisco UCS.
She was one of those people that when you met her, you felt like you already knew her. Her smile filled the room with light, and her humor was infectious.The world is a bit less bright without her, but we are all better having crossed paths with her.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and close friends during this time of loss. My condolences. She will be missed.
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This is incredibly sad. Although I had not been in touch with Melissa in years, her time in Seattle left a lasting impact on me. Melissa had a charming wit and warm personality and will be greatly missed.
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I was deeply saddened to hear about Melissa’s passing. We worked together at Cisco in 2012. For us, it was never just a job—it was an adventure. We tore through the streets of San Francisco like Starsky and Hutch, braved the “zombie” blocks of Portland just to get Voodoo Doughnuts, and even learned more than we ever expected about moose hunting in Wasilla, Alaska. We nailed every sales call. Melissa was a wonderful friend, and I will truly miss her laughter and our monthly tech chats. Rest in peace Melissa and my condolences to the family.
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