Melissa Louise Eleey (née Clifford) of Hanover, Massachusetts, passed away from metastatic breast cancer with extraordinary courage, honesty, and grace on January 14th, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family and friends. She was born in Boston on August 16, 1983, and raised in Quincy.
Known as “Lewis” or “Melly” to her friends, Melissa lived a life rooted in service and her Catholic faith. She attended Fontbonne Academy (Class of 2001) in Milton, MA, and graduated from The Catholic University of America (Class of 2005) in Washington, D.C., where she met lifelong friends and served her community through CUA’s Habitat for Humanity chapter. She finished her academic studies at MGH Institute of Health (Class of 2009). As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Melissa found deep meaning in caring for children and families in her community, and she cherished the moments when patients returned years later to tell her how she had changed their lives. Her commitment to service extended far beyond her profession—coaching soccer, riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge to benefit Dana-Farber, and walking the catwalk for Runway for Recovery.
Melissa lived life to the fullest and loved to travel, whether exploring South Africa with Eric or soaking up time at the Cape with the kids. Her free time was filled with biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing, wearing funny hats, dancing, dragging friends into ridiculous, joy-filled scenes, watching The Sound of Music, shouting answers at Jeopardy, and savoring simple comforts like popcorn after lunch. If that weren’t enough, she also completed the Boston Marathon once and the Marine Corps Marathon twice. Friends remember following her into new experiences—sometimes outside their comfort zone—and discovering that, with Melissa, “you don’t leave fun to find fun.”
Melissa’s most important work and enduring legacy was being a wife and partner to her husband, Eric Eleey, and a devoted mother to their sons, Jake and Luke. When Melissa and Eric met at a friend’s party, they knew immediately they had found their person. Their marriage was built on deep love and trust, strength in difficult moments, and laughter in all the rest. Together, they raised two cherished boys. Melissa worked tirelessly to give her sons the best life possible—one grounded in a loving home, a supportive community, opportunities for travel and education, and the steady presence of family. She was her boys’ fiercest advocate, their number one fan, and their loudest cheerleader in every arena of life. Whether cheering from a sideline, a theater seat, a ninja gym, skiing down a mountain, or stealing special one-on-one adventures in places like Times Square or Harry Potter World, she delighted in being fully present with her sons and created memories they will carry forever. Melissa’s presence will always remain with Eric, Jake, and Luke, and she asks that her community continue to pray for them and lift them up.
Melissa will be deeply missed by her family and by the many friends whose lives she shaped. She was fearless, compassionate, and loving—loyal, honest, and brave. She had a rare ability to make people feel truly seen, valued, and loved. With Melissa, you knew you mattered. She listened fully, offered thoughtful advice, and showed up—without hesitation—when it mattered most. She brought joy and adventure wherever she went, and she reminded those around her to find light even in the hardest moments. Melissa’s life was one long act of kindness, generosity, and courage, and her absence will be felt deeply by all who were lucky enough to walk alongside her.
Melissa is survived by her beloved husband, Eric; her precious sons, Jake and Luke; her father, Kenneth Clifford of Weymouth; her siblings and their spouses: Honorable Jeffrey Clifford and Mrs. Michelle Clifford of Middleborough, MA; Drs. Jennifer and Carlos Duran of Satellite Beach, FL; Danielle and Jay Beauchesne of Halifax, MA; and Steven and Christina Delaney of Hanover, MA; her parents‑in‑law, Christopher and Susan Eleey of Quincy; her sister‑in‑law, Sarah “Sisssy” Eleey of Quincy; and many nieces and nephews whom she adored. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kathleen Clifford, and her stepbrother, Christopher Delaney.
Visiting hours will be held at Our Lady of the Angels Parish (392 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA), on Monday, January 19, 2026. Children from Melissa’s beloved sports teams are invited to an early visitation at 2:00 p.m., and she has requested that they wear their favorite Hanover team or Viper jersey. A traditional wake will follow from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
A Mass and celebration of Melissa’s life will be held in her spiritual home, Our Lady of the Angels Parish (392 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA), on January 20th, 2026, at 11 a.m. Melissa wished for her life to be celebrated in vibrant color—please avoid wearing black. In her honor, Melissa hoped all would live with courage, wear a silly hat, plan the next adventure, and hold loved ones close. Contributions may be made to the Pan Mass Challenge, in Melissa’s name, using this link. 100% of all donations will be dedicated to metastatic breast cancer research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Floral tributes (excluding lilies) are warmly welcome.