Melissa Diane Starr, 41, of Gilbert, Arizona was welcomed into her Eternal heavenly home, passing into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. She was born on June 18, 1976, the beautiful, loving and precious daughter of Richard and Linda Starr.
Melissa was the most loving, dedicated and devoted mother to her precious son, Jacob Patrick Starr, who was the best gift she ever received. Melissa’s life was Jacob, who meant everything to her, and he was worth every hardship she ever went through raising him on her own. Melissa sacrificed so much for others and especially for her son. She would always put others first before herself. Melissa was the most selfless person you could ever meet. Her greatest passions in life were her family and friends and helping others in need. She gave up her dreams of becoming a Professional Performer in New York Broadway Musicals to raise her dear and precious son.
Melissa leaves behind her strong and courageous son, Jacob Patrick Starr; her amazing and exceptional parents, Richard and Linda Starr. She also leaves behind her sister, Christina Kozall, her brothers Brian and Joshua Starr; her nieces Caitlyn Starr and Caprice Kozall; and her nephew Brennan Starr. Melissa is preceded in death by both sets of her grandparents Genaro and Rose Paez and Lewis and Helen Starr. All of these she loved and touched her deeply.
A funeral service for Melissa will be held on Thursday, January 11 at 11:00 am, with a buffet to follow, at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona. Visitation hours are Wednesday, January 10 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
This is a beautiful tribute and absolutely true that Melissa’s life was Jacob, her family and friends. Melissa truly had a servants heart and soul and loved deeply. She is going to be missed forever and always loved by anyone who truly knew her. Rest in peace dear friend.
Melissa,
We will always cherish the wonderful memories we have of you. We thank you for the happiness that you gave us. We were grateful for the time and experience we were able to share with you. We miss you, and we will always love you forever!
Mom and Dad
To my beautiful sister Melissa,
Thank you for being such a loving, caring and compassionate sister to me. You showed me so much love our whole lives, and I just wish I could hold you in my arms right now and never let you go. You were such a special gift from God, and you truly brought me joy, laughter and excitement by having you in my life! I can’t stop thinking about all of our fun and happy memories together…. from the time I first looked at you when mom and dad brought you home from the hospital as a newborn, to the times we would snuggle together in our pajamas and giggle and be silly and goofy and watch our favorite 80’s movies, to the day that I witnessed the birth of your “miracle” and precious son, Jacob Patrick. God Blessed me with “YOU” as my one and only sister. You will always be my baby sister forever and forever! I will never forget our special memories together, and I will treasure you in my heart always! Your niece, Caprice, and I will CHERISH you, HONOR you and LOVE you for Eternity! I love you more than you could ever imagine Melissa, and my heart aches for you. I love you always.
Your sister,
Tina
John 14:6
My mom was the most amazing person I’ve ever known. All she ever wanted to do was make me happy and sacrificed so much in order to do so. I never truly realized just how much I appreciated her and all that she’s done for me until now. Everything was about me and virtually nothing was about her. I was her biggest concern in life and was what kept her going and pushing through all that she went through. My most wonderful and amazing mother will always have a very special place in my heart.
Melissa
The last time I saw you was when you were just a few months old at your Grandma Rose’s house..What a pretty baby you were ,with lot’s of black hair.I talked to you on the phone just before you,Jacob,your mom and dad left San Francisco last summer.You were happy that I was going to be coming out to Arizona soon.You told me that your Mom told you about all the fun stuff we did as kids.
No one has to tell me that you were a great daughter, because when your mom talked about you I heard it in her voice,how proud she was of you..And no one has to tell me what a great MOTHER you were because I met your son Jacob.He is a fine young man.You did good Melissa.
Love,Vicki
I can’t think of my childhood without you. We had so many fun times, jumping on the trampoline, sleepovers, swimming in the pool, playing in the ditch. I’m so sad you didn’t have more time here on earth and I’m sad for all those that mourn you, but glad that you pain is over and you are home and we will all see you again someday
My condolences to Melissa’s family. She was very sweet to me and I won’t forget her. The world is a little darker without her.
You will be missed. The kindness in your heart lives on through your son. Your memory is in the hearts of all you touched. May your spirit be in peace.
Melissa, words can’t adequately describe how much you’re missed. There was no better friend than you in the world. You were selfless and compassionate beyond measure. I miss you so much and still can’t believe you’re gone. I wish it were just a bad dream. You were an amazing mother and person. There truly will never be another like you, ever. I hope you’re now pain free and happy. My heart is broken and I will miss you always. Love you
It seems like we just got started in this life and so quickly you are gone and this is over…my heart is so broken without you here to laugh and cry with. I want to call you now to tell you my heart is broken but you are no where I can find you. But instead I must wait until I can see you again. Someday we will laugh again and cry happy tears. I love you. I will always miss you forever and always. You were such a treasure to me…so few moments it seems I got to spend with you. I will wait a lifetime to see you again but I can’t wait to see you as beautiful as ever my best friend…
Melissa was a wonderful, sweet, and kind human being. No matter what the circumstances were, she still seemed like she always kept her sense of humor. I think most of all, she would have wanted her memory honored by laughing and smiling together when remembering all the good times her loved ones shared with her. She was the most genuinely accepting and non-judgmental person I think I’ve ever known. She was so easy to talk to and would make you feel so comfortable and able to be yourself. Even after going long bits of time without speaking, when we would finally see each other again it felt like I was talking to a lifelong friend that I had just seen the day before. I spent my childhood looking up to her and thinking she was so effortlessly cool. I would beg to go to her and my sister’s apartment for sleepovers constantly because Gina and I thought her and Sue were the coolest people in the entire world. I’ll always think of her and see her in my mind that same way. I’m so happy I knew her.
Oh, how I would give anything to enjoy a smoke and a Mountain Dew standing outside of Melissa’s front door right now; and I am a non-smoker who hates Mountain Dew!!
When I was going through a rough patch with the ex-wife, she made my life miserable by complaining to the police and CPS about everything I did (and mostly stuff I did NOT do). The only thing we ever agreed on post-divorce is that our son Ian was in good, safe, loving hands with Melissa. That says a lot!
I remember having sleepovers with Jacob and Ian, how crazy they would act, They really brought out the unfiltered person in each other. I remember tucking both of them in and kissing them both goodnight. The cabin trip to Heber AZ in the snow was awesome! It was also nice to give Melissa some time off. Although, she never wanted time off from Jacob or any other kid for that matter. Now I understand why she was always tired and sore!! If I had all the kids of the complex in my apartment, things would have gotten messy. Not with Melissa!! She had patience and took time with each child.
I never really got to see the ‘wild ‘ side of Melissa like Sue did. But, I feel like I have heard every story that could be told at least six times already. 🙂
Melissa (and Jacob) will always have a warm place in my heart and in my memories. The world lost a great person and we are all a little less than we used to be without her.
I miss her.
My Sweet Missy,
I don’t think this will ever be easy to accept. Selfishly, I wish you were still here. You were my best friend, a genuine friend. Everything you did for the girls and I was done out of the kindness of your heart and you never wanted anything in return. You were stubborn and it was a struggle getting you to accept anything we’d offer to reciprocate or show our appreciation for you. The only thing I do regret is not just going over to see you when you weren’t feeling up to company or I couldn’t get ahold of you to make plans. You are the older sister I’ve never had. You will always hold my heart. My girls love and adore you beyond measure. Until we meet again, I love you my Miss. ~ Natalie and the twins
This is a beautiful tribute and absolutely true that Melissa’s life was Jacob, her family and friends. Melissa truly had a servants heart and soul and loved deeply. She is going to be missed forever and always loved by anyone who truly knew her. Rest in peace dear friend.
Melissa,
We will always cherish the wonderful memories we have of you. We thank you for the happiness that you gave us. We were grateful for the time and experience we were able to share with you. We miss you, and we will always love you forever!
Mom and Dad
To my beautiful sister Melissa,
Thank you for being such a loving, caring and compassionate sister to me. You showed me so much love our whole lives, and I just wish I could hold you in my arms right now and never let you go. You were such a special gift from God, and you truly brought me joy, laughter and excitement by having you in my life! I can’t stop thinking about all of our fun and happy memories together…. from the time I first looked at you when mom and dad brought you home from the hospital as a newborn, to the times we would snuggle together in our pajamas and giggle and be silly and goofy and watch our favorite 80’s movies, to the day that I witnessed the birth of your “miracle” and precious son, Jacob Patrick. God Blessed me with “YOU” as my one and only sister. You will always be my baby sister forever and forever! I will never forget our special memories together, and I will treasure you in my heart always! Your niece, Caprice, and I will CHERISH you, HONOR you and LOVE you for Eternity! I love you more than you could ever imagine Melissa, and my heart aches for you. I love you always.
Your sister,
Tina
John 14:6
My mom was the most amazing person I’ve ever known. All she ever wanted to do was make me happy and sacrificed so much in order to do so. I never truly realized just how much I appreciated her and all that she’s done for me until now. Everything was about me and virtually nothing was about her. I was her biggest concern in life and was what kept her going and pushing through all that she went through. My most wonderful and amazing mother will always have a very special place in my heart.
Melissa
The last time I saw you was when you were just a few months old at your Grandma Rose’s house..What a pretty baby you were ,with lot’s of black hair.I talked to you on the phone just before you,Jacob,your mom and dad left San Francisco last summer.You were happy that I was going to be coming out to Arizona soon.You told me that your Mom told you about all the fun stuff we did as kids.
No one has to tell me that you were a great daughter, because when your mom talked about you I heard it in her voice,how proud she was of you..And no one has to tell me what a great MOTHER you were because I met your son Jacob.He is a fine young man.You did good Melissa.
Love,Vicki
I can’t think of my childhood without you. We had so many fun times, jumping on the trampoline, sleepovers, swimming in the pool, playing in the ditch. I’m so sad you didn’t have more time here on earth and I’m sad for all those that mourn you, but glad that you pain is over and you are home and we will all see you again someday
My condolences to Melissa’s family. She was very sweet to me and I won’t forget her. The world is a little darker without her.
You will be missed. The kindness in your heart lives on through your son. Your memory is in the hearts of all you touched. May your spirit be in peace.
Melissa, words can’t adequately describe how much you’re missed. There was no better friend than you in the world. You were selfless and compassionate beyond measure. I miss you so much and still can’t believe you’re gone. I wish it were just a bad dream. You were an amazing mother and person. There truly will never be another like you, ever. I hope you’re now pain free and happy. My heart is broken and I will miss you always. Love you
It seems like we just got started in this life and so quickly you are gone and this is over…my heart is so broken without you here to laugh and cry with. I want to call you now to tell you my heart is broken but you are no where I can find you. But instead I must wait until I can see you again. Someday we will laugh again and cry happy tears. I love you. I will always miss you forever and always. You were such a treasure to me…so few moments it seems I got to spend with you. I will wait a lifetime to see you again but I can’t wait to see you as beautiful as ever my best friend…
Melissa was a wonderful, sweet, and kind human being. No matter what the circumstances were, she still seemed like she always kept her sense of humor. I think most of all, she would have wanted her memory honored by laughing and smiling together when remembering all the good times her loved ones shared with her. She was the most genuinely accepting and non-judgmental person I think I’ve ever known. She was so easy to talk to and would make you feel so comfortable and able to be yourself. Even after going long bits of time without speaking, when we would finally see each other again it felt like I was talking to a lifelong friend that I had just seen the day before. I spent my childhood looking up to her and thinking she was so effortlessly cool. I would beg to go to her and my sister’s apartment for sleepovers constantly because Gina and I thought her and Sue were the coolest people in the entire world. I’ll always think of her and see her in my mind that same way. I’m so happy I knew her.
Oh, how I would give anything to enjoy a smoke and a Mountain Dew standing outside of Melissa’s front door right now; and I am a non-smoker who hates Mountain Dew!!
When I was going through a rough patch with the ex-wife, she made my life miserable by complaining to the police and CPS about everything I did (and mostly stuff I did NOT do). The only thing we ever agreed on post-divorce is that our son Ian was in good, safe, loving hands with Melissa. That says a lot!
I remember having sleepovers with Jacob and Ian, how crazy they would act, They really brought out the unfiltered person in each other. I remember tucking both of them in and kissing them both goodnight. The cabin trip to Heber AZ in the snow was awesome! It was also nice to give Melissa some time off. Although, she never wanted time off from Jacob or any other kid for that matter. Now I understand why she was always tired and sore!! If I had all the kids of the complex in my apartment, things would have gotten messy. Not with Melissa!! She had patience and took time with each child.
I never really got to see the ‘wild ‘ side of Melissa like Sue did. But, I feel like I have heard every story that could be told at least six times already. 🙂
Melissa (and Jacob) will always have a warm place in my heart and in my memories. The world lost a great person and we are all a little less than we used to be without her.
I miss her.
My Sweet Missy,
I don’t think this will ever be easy to accept. Selfishly, I wish you were still here. You were my best friend, a genuine friend. Everything you did for the girls and I was done out of the kindness of your heart and you never wanted anything in return. You were stubborn and it was a struggle getting you to accept anything we’d offer to reciprocate or show our appreciation for you. The only thing I do regret is not just going over to see you when you weren’t feeling up to company or I couldn’t get ahold of you to make plans. You are the older sister I’ve never had. You will always hold my heart. My girls love and adore you beyond measure. Until we meet again, I love you my Miss. ~ Natalie and the twins