Southwick-Melissa Koren (Swain) Ferris, 37, (1981-2018) passed away unexpectedly at the University of Massachusetts Hospital, Worcester. Melissa was the wife of Jeremiah M. Ferris. Born on June 6, 1981 in Greenfield, Massachusetts to Thomas C. and Sarah (Garberg) Swain, Melissa was a life-long resident of Southwick; a 1999 graduate of Southwick High School and attended Holyoke Community College.
At the time of her passing, Melissa was a sales associate, employed by Interstate Building Supply in Southwick. Previously she was the Office Manager at Leisure Time Canvas for many years. Melissa was a lake girl who enjoyed boating, swimming and fishing. She loved art and all types of music and collected vinyl records. Melissa had a deep passion for the outdoors, especially the beach. Her kind heart cared for all animals. She would often take stray and orphaned animals in until she could find them forever homes. Most of all she cherished her son Thomas the most.
Besides her parents and her husband, Melissa also leaves her son, Thomas Michael Ferris. Aunt Lesley Swope of Texas, Uncle Herb Swain of California. The Ferris family; Michael, Joanne, Brittny, Nicole and Jesse. Melissa was predeceased by her grandparents Clark and Tomi Swain, Richard and Ruth Garberg, Uncle Robert Garberg and Mother in-law Cynthia Engel.
A celebration of the life of Melissa K. Ferris will take place on Monday (October 22, 2018) with a gathering of family and friends from 3:00PM to 6:00PM in the Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, (Highway 10/202) in Southwick. A funeral home ceremony will follow at 6:00PM.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Southwick Animal Shelter, 11 Depot St., Southwick, MA 01077
Please visit www.forastiere.com to offer a message of condolence.
