Passed away after a heroic battle with cancer on Saturday, October 19th, 2019 in her 47th year. Melissa will be forever cherished by her loving husband and soulmate Alfonso and by her adoring children Isabella Grace and Gabriel James. Melissa brought the greatest joy and pride to all who knew her and in particular to her parents Cosimo and Elviana Candeloro, her in-laws, Sam and Marlene Monachino, her brother Bruno (Tasya), her sister Julia (Darek), her brother-in-law Chuck, her sister-in-law Rosanna (Greg) and her sister-in-law Blazenka. She was and will always be loved as “Zia Melissa” to her nieces Iva, Valentina and Violet and her nephews Sammy and Colton. Melissa was the eldest grandchild of Nicola and Adelina DiFilippo and will be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles and cousins. She dedicated her life to her family, friends and to her colleagues and students at Niagara Catholic and Halton Catholic District School Boards where her vocation to Catholic education and leadership enriched the lives of staff, students and parents. Melissa exemplified in word and deed the words of Micha: “To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Family and friends will be received at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 454 Highway #8 (east of Millen Road) STONEY CREEK (905-664-4222) on Thursday, October 24, 2019 from 3-5 p.m. and 6 - 9 p.m. with Vigil Prayers recited at 3:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, 304 Highway #8, Stoney Creek, on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Juravinski Cancer Centre or Princess Margaret Hospital would be appreciated by the family. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the Juravinski ICU medical team and our guardian angel nurses for their exemplary care of Melissa and our family.