Melissa “Missy” Fitzgerald Del Valle, age 63, passed away on May 9, 2022 surrounded by her family and an abundance of love. Missy was born in Chicago on May 21 to the late Jeremiah and Georgia (nee Miller) Fitzgerald. She is survived by her loving husband, Noel, two much-loved daughters, Olivia and Isabella, two precious grandsons, Ezra and King, and an expected granddaughter, Aaliyah. She is also survived by her beloved brother Tim (Robin) Fitzgerald and cherished niece and godchild, Kelly. Missy is also survived by her father and mother in-law, Alejandro and Carmen, as well as sisters-in-law Cindy (Ed) Pakula and Mayda, and nephew Nigel.
Missy surrounded herself with family and friends, who basked in her warmth and kindness much like the sun, a symbol in which she had a strong connection. Her home was filled with love, laughter, and friendship all year, but birthdays, St. Patrick’s Day dinners, and summer backyard gatherings were among the best. Traditions and time spent together remained every bit as special even when she faced health challenges, something she confronted with strength, resilience, and grace.
Whether listening under the stars on a summer night at Ravinia, a U2 concert at Soldier Field, or through her home speaker, Missy’s love for music resonated in her enjoyment and knowledge of a vast range of genres. Her own talents as a classically trained operatic mezzo-soprano also gave her an accomplished perspective and ear.
Missy’s passion for education and learning was something she shared with her students, peers, and community. She earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Xavier University and continued her graduate education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She began her teaching career at St. Ludmilla School, and after teaching for more than a decade in Little Village, she moved into teaching at Chicago Public Schools. While working at CPS, she met her future husband Noel, a now-retired member of the Chicago Police Department. Shortly after welcoming her first daughter, Missy stepped away from teaching full-time but remained deeply committed to teaching by tutoring many children in her community. Most recently, she returned to work as a full-time educator with the Chicago Ridge School District.
Visitation for Melissa will be held Monday, May 16, from 4-9 PM at Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home, 10727 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago. Funeral to begin at Andrew J. McGann & Son on Tuesday, May 17, at 10 AM where we will proceed to St. Adrian Church, 7000 S Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to send expressions of sympathy consider making a memorial contribution to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in memory of Melissa Del Valle (themmrf.org).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andrewmcgann.com for the Del Valle family.
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