Melissa Allison Fort Buchelli

Melissa was born on December 26, 1972 in Manchester, CT, the daughter of Henry M. and Brenda M. Fort Jr.

Melissa was employed with American Express since 2006 as a Project Manager. She transferred from the Greensboro branch to the Florida branch in October of 2011. She graduated from UNC-Greensboro achieving her BS degree where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She went on to earn her MBA through the University of Phoenix.

Melissa touched the lives of many during her all too short thirty- nine years. Melissa was a loving and caring person to all. Accepting others for who they were, always being kind to all she encountered. She was a good friend and a loyal sorority sister. She wanted all touched by her to feel good about who they were by encouragement and empowered them to do so. She was strong and determined not to allow breast cancer to define who she was. She fought hard to live, so she could complete her task of raising her children, who she loved unconditionally. We will always hold a place in our hearts for Melissa. We thank God for blessing us by having had her in our lives. We pray for Melissa to find peace at the side of the Lord God.

Melissa is survived by her parents, Henry Fort Jr. and wife Brenda ; treasured sisters, Megan F. Barrow and husband John and Leslie F. Huber; her loving children, Alex E. Buchelli and Elena B. Buchelli. She also has three nieces and two nephews; Sophia and Chloe Huber, Devin Oliver, Lily Barrow and expected Tyson Barrow.

A Celebration of Melissa’s life will be held on Thursday, Dec.20th, 1:00 pm at St. Francis Episcopal Church with Rev. Robert Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Westminster Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 7 t0 9 p.m. at Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen Foundation, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265.