Melissa "Mel" Anne Gaylord (nee VanSolkema), age 35, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Lowell. Melissa was a loving mother, sister, and daughter who had a strong-willed personality but loved deeply. She cherished her family and time spent with them. Her smile could light up a room and she was a joy to be around.
Melissa leaves behind her two children Beauden, Wylee; parents Debra (Mark) VerStrate; siblings Jon (Liz) VanSolkema, Melanie VanSolkema; nieces and nephews Victoria, Torena, Jacob “JJ”, Taylor, Ella, Grace, Lance; and many extended relatives and friends.
Melissa was preceded in death by her father, Howard VanSolkema; maternal grandparents Arthur and Gert Kooiman; and paternal grandparents Ralph and Jackie VanSolkema.
A celebration of life visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Cook Funeral Home (Byron Center Chapel), 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with a time for sharing of memories hosted at 2 p.m. In memory of Melissa and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guiding Light or Western Michigan Teen Challenge. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guest book online.