HUYGENS, Melissa

With deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of Melissa Huygens on November 8^th, 2019.  Melissa was born in Vernon, BC on February 15, 1980 as the 2nd child of Grace LeRoux and John Huygens. Her arrival into the family brought great joy as she was a cheerful, giggley kid and that’s how she earned the nickname Giggles. Despite the cool nick name, she was still a force to be reckoned with.

Although born in Vernon, she lived in Port Coquitlam for the majority of her life before returning to Vernon seven years ago to be closer to family. Family was important to her and she could be counted on to be around to celebrate all the milestones and bring the party to life.

Melissa loved all music, but specifically was drawn to 80s music, which became her background music of life (like elevator music, but cooler and in stereo). Swimming, camping, nature and working out are some of the things that gave her joy.

As a young woman, she studied at a local community college and became a Youth and Family Services Worker, a job in which she could help others.

In addition to her parents, Melissa is survived by her partner Dale Lea; two dear children: Dominic Stone-Huygens and Kaylee Stone-Huygens; her four siblings: Sisters: Michelle (Brant Dufty), son Aidan; Heather (John Van Dyke), daughter Alexis; Brothers: Patrick and Michael Heeley. She will be further missed by her grandmothers; Margaret Le Roux (Raymond Le Roux -Deceased) and Whilhelmina Eyre (Christian Huygens – Deceased). Beyond her human family she will be missed by her dogs, Juneau & Reno.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, February 15^th, 2020 which would have been Melissa’s 40^th Birthday. Location and time to be confirmed. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in care of heather.huygens@gmail.com to help Melissa’s children and with funeral expenses.

And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. Friedrich Nietzsche

Cherish each hour of this day for it can never return. Og Mandino

 Grief is the last act of Love we can give to those we loved.

Where there is deep grief, there was great love.   (Anonymous)

A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves – a special kind of double. Toni Morrison

Cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey. Jack Layton