Obituary of Melissa Willard

Melissa J. (Maxwell) Willard, a resident of Burlington for the past 14 years, passed way at the Blair House in Tewksbury on Wednesday afternoon, July 4, 2007. She was 80 years old. Melissa was born in Malden. She was the daughter of the late Thaddeus and Lettie Maxwell. She was raised and educated in Malden and Everett where she resided most of her life until she moved to Burlington. Melissa devoted her life to creating a loving home for her family. She worked for a period of time as a Matron at the Sutton Home for the Aged Women in Peabody. She was a talented artist and loved to draw. In her earlier years she was known to make homemade greeting cards. She also enjoyed sewing. Melissa was a woman of deep faith and was always actively involved in her church whether it be singing in a church choir or being a member of the Lady’s Guild. She loved going to the family farm house in Maine. Melissa was blessed to have a life that spanned 80 years filled with many special times spent with her family. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her. Melissa is the beloved wife of the late Stanley Willard and William J. Yates. She is the mother of Karen & her husband Ronald Sanderson of Burlington, Kristine & her husband Dale Allison of Pittsburgh, PA, Kathey & her husband Al Zaltzberg of Waterville, ME. She is the sister of the late Thaddeus Maxwell, Jr. and Julia Gordon. Melissa is the aunt of Vera Gordon of NY. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Funeral Services were private. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service that will be held at the Countryside Bible Chapel, 480 Lowell St., Lexington, MA on Saturday, July 28 at 11 am. Memorials in Melissa’s name may be made to Joni and Friends International Disability Center, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376-3333. Arrangements under the direction of the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, BURLINGTON.