Melissa "Isse" Waddey

She was born August 9, 1975, in Oak Lawn, Illinois to Mike and Mary Anne Osesek. Isse grew up in Palos Hills, Illinois as one of four daughters.

Isse's compassion and generous spirit had a powerful effect on everyone around her. She was a devoted wife, mother and Christian. Isse was an active member of Woodmont Christian Church and built her life centered on faith, family and friendships. After graduating from the University of Tennessee and receiving her Masters in Healthcare Administration from St. Francis University, she began her 20 year career in healthcare. Isse was a hospital operator with HCA and later an executive at LifePoint Health where she fulfilled her passion for helping others on a significant scale. Most recently, she served as LifePoint's President, Ambulatory & Operations Services and was ranked as one of the 150 most powerful women in healthcare prior to stepping down to focus on her health.

Isse was a beautiful, talented and brilliant woman who inspired everyone around her. She had a magnetic personality that naturally drew people towards her. You could always find Isse with her husband, Alex, cheering on their children on the sidelines or at recitals. She lived a purpose filled life with grace and joy.

After Isse's colon cancer diagnosis, she turned her energies to educating and raising awareness about the disease. This led her to organize the first ever Colon Cancer Walk in Nashville with over 1,000 participants where all funds raised were donated to colon cancer research. Isse's diagnosis also gave her a new perspective on life and a passion to share what she learned with others. She was able to live in the moment and to be fully present at all times. She understood the importance of work/life balance and focused on living the time she had left to the fullest.

Isse is survived by her husband of 13 years, Alex; daughter, Hudsyn; sons, Briggs and Rex. She is also survived by her father Mike Osesek; her mother, Mary Anne Osesek; sisters, Michele Cozza (Ron), Marci Chayes (Jonathan); twin sister Meredith Haynes (Baker); and 7 nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Isse's life will be held at Woodmont Christian Church on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation prior to the service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made or sent to Vanderbilt Health in memory of Isse Waddey https://give.vanderbilthealth.org/isse or the Isse Waddey Project with Sarah Cannon https://www.cfmt.org/the-isse-waddey-project-with-the-sarah-cannon-fund/