Sorry for your loss of Milissa, we never know what is ahead for us.  I am amazed at the fact that I am still here.  Hope all is well with everyone.  Sorry we did not get out there for the memorial.  Love Aunt Mary Anastas

I didn't know Melissa but my son was in the program with her in Fresno.  He says she was a terrific woman.  He was very saddened by her death. As a mother, I sympathize with your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Susan Thompson

We were all so shocked to read the news of Melissa's accident and passing.  Your branch of our family has been in our thoughts and prayers everyday since.  If there is anything any of us can do, we would be honored to do it.  Please know that you continue to be in our hearts.  God bless you all.  Rest in peace, Melissa.

Melissa was a wonderful daughter.  She touched so many lives (people and animals) wherever she went.  
She carried a torch for all humanity.  It is now up to each of us to pick it up and make the world a better place.

Dear Dowd Family:
So sorry to read of your loss. Please allow God's word the Bible to provide you comfort during this difficult time in your life.

I had the pleasure of working with Melissa at Busch Gardens for a couple of years.  She was just a girl then, and grew into a wonderful woman.  So smart and talented.  I'm saddened and shocked.  My deepest sympathies go out to her family.  I had the pleasure of knowing her mother also and can't imagine what she is going through.

May thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

I met Melissa as a first year ED resident in Fresno. Her infectious spirit, zeal for learning and compassion for her patients was apparent very early. She always wanted to be called Melissa but with respect, I referred to her as Dr. Dowd.
A memorial was held in Fresno to a packed house. She touched so many lives in a short period of time.
To her mother; in your deepest sorrow you challenged us all to 'carry her torch'. Your message and those words will stay with me forever.
To her father; your stories of Melissa as a child gave insight to the person I came to know. I will forever be grateful to you both and inspired by the child you raised. 
Melissa's family in Fresno will always be blessed that we knew her.

To Melissa's family, 
I was shocked to hear the news about Melissa. I'm deeply sorry. I want you to know that Melissa made a hugh impact on my life. I remember the times of the inseparable three musketeers Melissa, Tracey, and I were always together. Camping trips, band camp, sleep overs, birthdays parties so many good memeories. I remember the time of the video that Melissa and I made singing on the karaoke to New Kids on the Block with a full choreography preforming for all to see at Thanksgiving. Another great memory was building a gingerbread house town. Thank you Melissa for being such a big part of my childhood memories. To Melissa's family my heart and prays are with you at this time and know that you and Melissa will always be in my heart.

So sorry Jim for your loss. You and your family have our sympathy.

I am so saddened to hear this news. I studied alongside Melissa at Rollins and remember her always smiling and working hard, friendly to everyone. It doesn't seem just that her life ended so soon, so suddenly. Melissa and your family will be in my thoughts. I am so sorry for the loss.

I studied and worked alongside Melissa while at Emory. She was extremely bright and an incredible person. I am touched by all that she accomplished in this life and all of the people that she has impacted. She definitely inspired me to want to achieve more. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to her family and friends.

I had the joy of working with Melissa for many years in Busch Gardens games. We had many laughs together, and I have lots of memories. She was a shining star then, and I am so proud of everything she accomplished in her short time on this planet. I am a physical therapist, and I know Melissa was such an asset to the medical world. Know my thoughts are with all of you who were also touched by Melissa.

I am shocked with this bad news and we lost this bright student who I happened to work with her together for a couple of years. I am so sorry for this loss.

Pengbo Liu

Brian, I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will heal the pain soon that you and your family are suffering right now.

I worked with Melissa on the day that she died. I will always remember her eagerness to learn and her bright smile.  We have truly lost a shining star in this world.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

We mourn your youth, your potential, your smile, and your constant positive energy. Rest in Peace Melissa. You will be missed by many.

I knew Melissa when she was a student at Emory University. She was ambitious, outgoing, energetic, and vivacious. A delightful, lovely young lady. This world has lost a remarkable physician. I am so sorry for your loss.

I met Melissa when she was attending Emory University. She was vibrant, outgoing, ambitious, and energetic. A delightful, lovely young lady. This world has lost a remarkable physician. I'm sorry for your loss.

It was an absolute blessing to have had the honor of knowing Melissa. I have great respect for the way she lived her life. I love you Melissa, thank you for accepting my family into your life and into your heart.Your memory lives on forever in my heart. All my love and prayers to all who have suffered this loss.

Peace and love in memory of such a wonderful human being.

Belle and Steve Gadomski

My deepest sympathy. You all remain in my prayers.

I have so many memories of Melissa at my home as she was growing up. She touched so many lives.  She will truly be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this time of loss.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. 
God Bless You.

Steve and family,
My heartfelt prayers go out to you.  I can not even begin to imagine the loss of one of my adult children.  Sincerely, Box

I would have loved to have met her, but thanks to the virtual world of social media, I did get to see her incredible smile. I've known Steve for over a decade, he's enriched us all of her passion for life.  May she look down on all of us while tending to her heavenly duties.

Melissa was a talented beautiful and loving young woman.  I loved her smile and the joy that radiated from her.  Praying for God's comfort and strength for all those Melissa touched.

To Melissa's family,

Words are never enough at times like these...I had only met Melissa a few times when we would visit my daughter, Jennifer Lasley, in Atlanta.  She made such an impression in my heart. She always had a smile and kind words.  I thank her for her friendship to Jen. May God bless you and hold you during this time of grief.  She was a lovely woman in so many ways and will be missed by ALL that knew her.  I feel so blessed to of had her pass through my life.

To Melissa's family,

I first met Melissa during Rollins' MPH orientation in 2005.  We spent too many hours to count studying and working together.  Fortunately, we found time for relaxation and shared a lot of laughs, dances and good times together.  She made our time together in grad school less stressful and we grew closer even after graduation.  

Melissa was there for me during my engagement party, wedding and baby shower.  She was an amazing friend with a wonderfully bright spirit and energy.  I think about her and miss her everyday.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time.

To Melissa's family: 
Melissa and I became friends during our time at Emory. Melissa was like a shining light in the darkness, always bubbly and energetic, and full of life. When I was deciding whether to go to medical school, Melissa was never too busy to talk to me and give me great advice, despite how busy she was with school and other activities. During my way through medical school and even just a couple of weeks ago, Melissa guided me, lending me her experienced vision and thoughts. I was ecstatic for her when she landed her ER residency in CA. She was truly a magnificent spirit...a beautiful person inside and out who will never be forgotten by any of us who were fortunate enough to call her a friend.

To Steve,Doreen,Brian,Jim, and Amy.
I am so sorry to hear about Melissa. I hope each day brings you peace and to let you know she was a wonderful friend. She would do anything and everything she could to be there for you. I'll pray for your family in this time of need and if you need anything just ask. I'm sure Melissa is looking down on us all and watching us one by one. In loving memory of a spectacular person and a super friend you all should be proud.

OBITUARY

Melissa M. Dowd MD

Born AUGUST 8, 1982

Boice Funeral Home

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