Melissa M. Hands
Melissa M. Hands, age 33, of Clarendon Hills; Beloved daughter of Daniel and the late Cherie; Loving sister of Christine Hands (Christopher); Fond niece and friend of many.
Melissa was a born actress – performing for venues small (the dinner table) and large (with Seaspar as well as with her sister, Christine, at the Going Dutch Festival). She was a comedian and loved nothing more than to make people laugh.
Melissa spent her life defying expectations. She had a bold temperament and a free spirit and made friends wherever she went.
Melissa grew up in Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills, attending Hinsdale South High School and later working at the Clarendon Hills Library. Melissa was a vibrant member of the Seaspar Eagles and enjoyed taking dance classes with her sister through Momenta Dance.
Melissa loved art, particularly Impressionism, and enjoyed visiting the Art Institute of Chicago. She was fond of monarch butterflies and raised caterpillars to release into her backyard. Melissa enjoyed reading, particularly Harry Potter, and was a cinema aficionado. Melissa had a love of learning and relished attending museums, performances, and anywhere she might engage a good conversation.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, January 14 at Notre Dame Church, 64 Norfolk Ave, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Visitation will take place at 10:30 am. The funeral mass will begin at 11:00 am, with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Melissa’s name to either SEASPAR of Downers Grove through which Melissa participated in a day program and also performed with her acting group, or Momenta of Oak Park where Melissa participated in Everybody Can Dance classes. Both of these organizations provided her joy and community, and continue to empower and enlighten the lives of many.
I remember Melissa and her mom and dad very well. I ushered for the Mass they attended regularly at St John of the Cross through rain, sleet or snow. My condolences to her dad and her sister.
What a lovely tribute
Mark and I extend our deepest sympathy
Fondly
Pat
I knew Melissa through SEASPAR Eagles. She was an absolute delight and brought such joy to our program. I have fond memories of my time with Melissa. Extending my deepest sympathy on this sad loss.
Dan and Christine,
Don and I are so very sorry for your loss.
Our love and prayers are with you both
At this time. You are a fine caring family
And I so enjoyed working with Cherie.
Love,
Don and Sharon Hand
Our love goes out to Melissa’s family. She was so loved and so loving. She will be missed. Her memory will be cherished always.
We send our love to Melissa’s family at this very sad time. Our grandson Jackson Beatty was a good friend of Melissa’s at Seaspar classes especially Actor’s Guild. From the first time they met, Jackson would wait at the elevator so we could ride the elevator with her after class. Jack is coping as well as he can. He lost his special needs sister Emma three years ago and he says Melissa & Emma are together in heaven. We all miss Melissa. She was a free spirit and a wonderful actor.
Amanda and I are so sorry for your loss. Amanda attended Eagles with Melissa. She was always a delight. Always a smiling face when I helped out or was picking Amanda up. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Gloria and Amanda
We are very sorry for your loss. Sarah Cavanaugh attended Eagles with Melissa. She will be missed
We are so very sorry to hear about Melissa’s passing. Katie participated in the Eagles program with her for many years and enjoyed several SEASPAR programs and dances with Melissa over the years as well. Our hearts and thoughts are with during this difficult time
Dear Daniel,
We extend our deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. May she rest in peace in the hands of our Lord!
My daughter Danielle was always eager to see Melissa on those days they attended Adult Program together. She will be greatly missed.
Lubia and Danielle
Dear Dan & Christine:
Such sad news but what a wonderful tribute to Melissa. So glad that she was able to find and give joy in her life. We would see all of you in church years ago, and of course I remember you two warmly from our days in Indian Princesses together. We could always see you were a devoted dad and a loving sister to Melissa. I pray that you find peace and solace in your memories of her.
Sincerely,
Vic Copeland
I am so very sorry to hear of Melissa’s passing! I worked with the Seaspar Eagles for a summer, and we sure did have a great time!! The bus rides were filled with music and singing, and I always enjoyed Melissa’s sense of humor! Rest easy, Melissa!
I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Melissa. We spent most of that time laughing and joking around. She truly brought a lot of joy to my life and I hope I did the same. She was my friend, and I will miss her. Brian
Our condolences to your family. Our son, David, was so fond of Melissa at Clarendon Hills Middle School.
Russ, Carol and David Meyer