Melissa Harley Lowell

Melissa Harley Lowell, 68, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born on March 15, 1955, in Dearborn, MI, to Robert and Barbara Harley. Melissa was a beloved wife to Scott Lowell, a devoted mother to Margaret (Thomas) Lowell, and a cherished sister to Pamela (Bryan) Stark, Juliann (Jake) Beidler, and Laura (Brad) Bergesen, as well as many nieces and nephews that love her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister-in-law Nancy Lashley, her cousin Jane Carvey, her cousin Susie Hubbard, and her close friends Marian Allen and Jeffrey Allen.

Melissa was known for her fun-loving and sassy personality, as well as her incredible selflessness. She dedicated her time to volunteering with organizations such as the Red Cross, SMILES, and Habitat for Humanity. Melissa deployed multiple times with the Red Cross to help with disaster relief. She was tasked with setting up and running shelters and driving their mobile relief unit. She would drive through areas, ensuring individuals affected by the disaster had all the essentials. Melissa joined an Alzheimer's research trial in the early stages of her disease. She said, "I know this won't help me, but I hope it will help others in the future." Little did she know that trial would produce a drug that garnered FDA approval and is currently changing the trajectory of many lives.

Melissa loved telling stories of her time in the Middle East. She lived in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait while her husband rebuilt schools after the Gulf War. She courageously worked on a military base and raised her daughter in unfamiliar countries. True to Melissa's kind nature, she made many friends during her travels that lasted well after moving back to the United States. Melissa also was instrumental in the creation and cultivation of Lowell Management/Lowell Custom homes over 40 years ago. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband to grow it into the successful business that it is today.

Melissa was an avid reader and could be found reading 3 books simultaneously. She loved reading murder mysteries, with some of her favorite authors being James Patterson and Sue Grafton. If Melissa wasn't reading, she could be found with one of the many dogs she loved dearly. She would ride around in her golf cart with her favorite copilot, Oscar or walking Geneva National with the crazy man (dog) Bob. Her four-legged friends were massive supports to her throughout her life.

A celebration of Melissa's life is planned for her 69th birthday on March 15, 2024. The celebration will be held at Celebrations in Lake Geneva, WI, from 3 pm to 7 pm. Family and friends are invited to come together to honor and remember Melissa during this special event.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Red Cross, Aurora Hospice, SMILES, and/or Village Glen Memory Care Facility. These organizations were close to Melissa's heart, and contributions made in her memory will continue to support causes that were important to her.

Derrick Funeral Services in Lake Geneva, WI, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Their compassionate and professional staff will ensure that Melissa's final wishes are carried out with the utmost care and respect.

Melissa will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of kindness, selflessness, and dedication to helping others will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

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