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Melissa Fries Obituary
August 28, 1980 - August 24, 2023
Merced, California - God called his Angel Melissa Marie Fries on August 24, 2023 after a three-year battle with brain cancer. She was a loving daughter, sister and friend to many. Melissa was born, raised, and educated in Merced where she attended Franklin Elementary School. After graduating from Merced High School, she earned degrees at Merced College and Stanislaus State University. After receiving her master's degree in English, she returned to Merced College as a professor.
She was a loving and dedicated teacher and mentored many students. She often worked as a dedicated and effective tutor and made a strong contribution to the development of the tutorial program. Many of her students stayed in touch with her long after their graduation as she touched their lives and they touched hers.
She loved The Golden Girls, the New Kids on the Block, N'Sync and Hamilton. She frequently enjoyed game and movie nights with her friends. She loved memorizing song lyrics and singing them with her daughter Cecilia. She was a whiz at Jeopardy.
She is survived by her daughter Cecilia, her parents, Ron and Marcia Dailey, her brother Shane Dailey and his wife Emily, her brother Kenneth Wiseman, her niece and nephew Madison and Spencer Dailey, her best friend Lisa Kyhn, along with many other close family and friends. A private burial will be held in Cathey's Valley. A potluck Celebration of Life will take place at the Merced Boys and Girls club on Saturday October 7 at 12 noon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melissa Fries
Stephanie
October 7, 2023
My dear Golden Girl,
Thank you for being a friend.
April Walden
October 5, 2023
I remember always being at my aunt's when younger and holidays Melissa was so sweet she has a smile that would light up the room haven't spent time in years but ran into her and my aunt not to long ago didn't know she was sick so sad God takes the good ones
Kayla (Spradley) Gregorio
October 1, 2023
I was heartbroken to see this today. I have not seen Melissa in over 10 years, but she was a special soul. I remember the laughs we shared and all of her perfectly timed puns. She always had encouraging words of wisdom and the humor to back it up. I am grateful to God for the seasons of my life that I was able to have with her. Heaven gained someone precious. My heartfelt condolences go to her family and dearest friends.
Angie Arteaga
October 1, 2023
Dear Ron and Marcia
Melissa was such a nice and loving person who loved to help people I was privileged to got to know her and and sat with your guys at lions club meeting we had so much fun and I loved her dearly she is sure going to be miss dearly by me and I know she is resting and isn´t hurting anymore may bless her soul and May she rest in peace love you guys always
Shirley Medeiros
October 1, 2023
Dear Ron & Marica
Your daughter was such. A sweet person and full of life.
We was glad she join our Merced Golden Lions Club. She had so many fresh & new ideals for our club. It sad she got took to soon. But I am thankful she is not suffering in pain any more.
She will definitely be missed by many.
We love you guys
Mary
October 1, 2023
RIP sweet girl. Please watch over us all. You are still needed by many.
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