Melissa Diane Cruz Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Melissa "Missy" Diane Cruz, 46 years young, of Medford, NJ, passed away peacefully following a courageous battle with stomach cancer on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at the Samaritan Center in Voorhees, NJ. A light in a sometimes dark world, she is deeply missed by everyone lucky enough to know her. Melissa is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Carlos Cruz, daughters, Destiny and Brooklyn of Medford, NJ; sister Sheri Norred, brother-in-law Scott, nephew Colin, and niece Dylan of Hopkinton, MA; mother-in-law, Sonia Cruz of Willingboro, NJ. She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Sylvia Kespelher and caring father, Fred Kespelher. Born in Clarion, PA, Melissa resided in Medford for 5 years. Originally from New Bethlehem, PA, she valued her childhood memories of growing up on the family farm, surrounded by close family and friends. Her family moved to Fort Dix, NJ during her high school years where she experienced military life. Following high school at Pemberton Township '93, she graduated from La Salle University '97, where she was a founding member of the Chi Upsilon Sigma sorority chapter there. Melissa could do anything. She was independent, creative, entrepreneurial and followed many passions, including proudly establishing and operating her own dog bakery business, Dog Gone Deli. She was an animal lover at-heart, favoriting goats and bunnies, but cherished dogs most of all, including her adorable dog, Zen. Most recently, she worked as a Project Accountant for Stokes Creative Group in Southampton, NJ. Melissa's utmost passion was devoting her life to her family. She married her high school sweetheart and cherished watching their beautiful daughters grow up, especially seeing them experience life and perform in every capacity. Melissa was their biggest fan. She loved the support and fun she experienced within their dance and social communities. Melissa loved gerbera daisy flowers and, in her 'spare time', enjoyed online shopping, decorating her home with holiday themes, taking on creative crafting talents - especially at Halloween (her favorite time of year). She also enjoyed visits to the Jersey shore and planning unique activities for her and her family to take pleasure in. Melissa's love of life and sense of humor was expressed in the way she lived. She supported and uplifted others with her positive attitude, kindness and open-book nature. She chose to have her family celebrate her memory in an upbeat atmosphere. Melissa's loved ones are planning Celebration of Life services for family and friends in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania this summer. Dates will be announced in the near future. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Melissa's memory to: Make a Wish Foundation located at 1384 Perrineville Road, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Mathis Funeral Home, Medford, NJ.

Melissa Diane Cruz

June 29, 1975 - May 11, 2022