Melissa Mary (O'Connor) Smith, 67, of Nanticoke passed away peacefully June 3, 2023, with her children by her side.

Born in Nanticoke on July 31, 1955, she was the daughter of late William and Dorothy Zorko O'Connor. She was a 1973 graduate of Greater Nanticoke Area High School, and she married her husband, Gary, on April 5, 1975. Together they shared 48 wonderful years filled with love and commitment. They worked through all of life's challenges together, setting a beautiful example for their children and family.

Melissa was employed at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Verizon Communications, and most recently at the United States Census Bureau. Regardless of her position, Melissa's work ethic and love of interacting with people was strong and contagious. She made lifelong friends, and she truly enjoyed her professional experiences.

Melissa hosted countless family celebrations. She never missed the opportunity to spend time with those she loved, and no one ever left her home hungry or empty-handed. Anyone blessed to call her a friend knew she was only a phone call away, and she would never forget to send a card filled with warm wishes and positivity. She had the ability to brighten even the darkest day, and her optimism remained even as her disease progressed.

Melissa's most valued roles were being a mother and grandmother. She instilled the love of family in her children, and she was always their biggest supporter. She loved her children's friends like her own, and everyone knew they could count on her for a ride home or a much-needed hug. Her children will forever be grateful for her unconditional love, support, and guidance.

Melissa adored her grandchildren, Charlotte, Natalie and Shepard. There was no greater joy than watching them grow and spending quality time together. From beach vacations and bus rides to shopping trips and throwing rocks in the creek, Melissa loved being their "Gramma," and she was so proud of all of their accomplishments.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her in-laws Earl and Lois Smith.

Surviving in addition to her husband Gary, are son, Craig Smith, and his wife Shelby, Forty Fort; daughter, Deidre Anchorstar and her husband Eric and his children Justin and Samantha, Pottsville; grandchildren Charlotte, Natalie, and Shepard Smith; sisters, Denise (Mark) Manosky, Mountain Top, and Lisa (Chris) Moughan, Hellertown; brothers Bill Jr. (Lynn) O'Connor, Berwick, and Mark (Lesley) O'Connor, Nanticoke; sister-in-law Linda (Ron) Trzeciak, Hanover Township; and cousins.

Melissa is also survived by nieces Rhonda (Rob) Nelson, Morristown, NJ, Danielle, Kelsi, and Alexandra O'Connor, Nanticoke; nephews Brian (Kelly) Trzeciak, Lansdale, Connor and Liam Moughan, Hellertown; great-nephews Maxwell Nelson, Atlanta, GA, and Jack and Cole Trzeciak, Lansdale. Melissa spent many hours babysitting, hosting sleepovers, and making her classic macaroni and cheese. She loved being their "Chocci" and "Aunt Mel."

The family would like to thank Melissa's sister-in-law, Linda, and dear friends, Joanne Thrash and Jackie Alesezyk for walking with Melissa through each step of her disease and never leaving her side. She truly appreciated their love and friendship.

The family would also like to thank Melissa's doctors, Dr. Kara Brezinski-Clark, Dr. Argye Hillis, and Michael Lukus, PA-C for their unending commitment to her care, as well as the entire staff of Mountain View Care and Rehabilitation. The staff of Magical Court loved Melissa like family, and the care provided will never be forgotten. We will forever be grateful for their dedication and compassion.

To everyone that loved Melissa, find comfort in the words of one of her favorite artists, Carole King— "When you are down and troubled and you need some lovin' care and nothin', nothin is goin' right, close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest night."

Visitation will take place Thursday, June 8, 2023 at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 339 N. Maple Ave, Kingston, from 9:00 am until 10:15 am. The funeral mass will begin at 10:30 am. Interment will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dorothy Zorko O'Connor Memorial Award. Donations can be sent to Pottsville Area School District, ATTN: Lee Ann Morgan, 1501 West Laurel Blvd, Pottsville, PA 17901.