"If someone asked me where or when I met Missy, I would not be able to answer precisely. However, I know I have known her since before middle school. When I remember Missy I remember her vivacious loving personality. Yes, Missy was full of life!!!! I know I am not the only female who was so thrilled for her when seeing her love story unfold on Facebook, living vicariously through her happiness. It was obvious she had met her prince charming, My heart aches for you Missy, and for your Brittany and Jay..You will always be loved and missed by so many. Rest in peace honey, and I hope we will meet again some day.. "
In loving memory of
Melissa Schoen
December 19, 2014
Melissa Beth Schoen, (maiden name Melissa Hoffman Bernstein) was born in Norfork, Virginia on November 4, 1960 and died December 19, 2014 in her home in Simi Valley, California. Melissa was the daughter of the late Alan Lewis and Renee Beverly Ornoff Hoffman, sister of the late Victoria Jo Hoffman. She is survived by her daughter Brittany Bell and husband Jay B. Schoen and his sons Ryan A. Schoen and Daniel C. Schoen and mother Caroline J. Schoen , brother Douglas and Susan Schoen and his sons Brandon and Katie Schoen, Pierce and Leah Schoen and Dustin Schoen, sister Allison H. Wilcox and her husband Jason, of Atlanta Georgia; nieces and nephews, Josh Ahlzadeh, Aaron Ahlzadeh, Alexis Ahlzadeh, Jordan Wilcox.
Missy (as she was called prior to moving to California to start fresh as Melissa) danced and sang her way from childhood through high school on any stage that would have her in Cinderella, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Oliver, Bells are Ringing, Hello Dolly!, Sweet Charity and Grease to name a few.
Melissa graduated Frank W. Cox High School in 1978, and from the Reporting Academy of Virginia in 1980. Melissa worked for a controversial Superior Court Judge In Atlanta, Ga , Court TV found its way into their courtroom and Missy was later invited to do commercials and promo's, as well as appearing in Tyler Perry's "Madea's Family Reunion" Melissa then worked as a Closed Television Captioner from her home in Chic Beach Virginia for the Deaf and hard-of hearing all over the world . She slept better knowing she was of service to others.
Melissa loved the Theater she starred in the play Gypsy from July 13 until August 5 2012 as Mazeppa, a bugle playing stripper and The Twilight of the Golds from Jan 11 until Feb 2 2013 as Phyliss Gold the wife at The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach.
Melissa is still close with several friends from elementary school; if that does not say that she is a great person and friend nothing does.
Melissa dealt with way to many medical issues but was always a positive, assertive, lovable soul, she was a great person. After her knee surgery in May 2013 she decided to move to California to start a new life near her daughter Brittany arriving in Venice beach California in July 2013. September 7, 2013 she had her first date with Jay Schoen from Simi Valley, California. I know it is corny to say but it was love at first sight. They were inseparable, Melissa moved in with Jay in October. Both had challenges in their lives. But now they had found their true love.
Over the next year, Jay introduced Melissa into his life and community. Both of them never seemed happier to their friends and family. Finally, on a bright fall day in October 2014, at the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce monthly networking breakfast, Jay surprised Melissa by falling to one knee and proclaiming his love for her in front of 135 friends and business associates. He asked for her hand in marriage and she said "YES".
Jay's mother had a mild heart attack and needed care she could not do alone, Melissa immediately volunteered her and Jay's home and took care of her future step mother every day with a smile on her face never once complaining. This is Melissa.
On December 6, 2014 Jay and Melissa had their dream come true wedding and they celebrated the joining of two people in a marriage that seemed would last a lifetime. Two souls wondering through life had found each other for all eternity.
Only 13 days later on the morning on December 19, 2014, Jay kissed his new bride as she slept and he headed to work as he did every day. Late morning Jay was concerned that Melissa has not yet awaken or returned his texts and calls, so he asked his mother's caregiver to check on her. Melissa was unresponsive and by the time 911 Paramedics had arrived she had already crossed over. Melissa had died in her sleep sometime late that morning.
Funeral will be at 10 AM at Mount Sinai Memorial Park December 30, 2014, 6150 Mount Sinai Drive, Simi Valley.
Jay will be welcoming friends and family at his home after services.
Please send all gifts through the Gofundme website gofundme.com/j9ahnw
Tributes
"My dear, sweet funny face! I have known Missy since we were both in our Early 20's. She was so full of life and energy.
I have so, so many memories and cannot believe that her light has dimmed.
I don't think that I have ever completed a conversation with Missy, as she was already racing on to the next subject! I cannot believe that we will no longer have her around to converse with!
Dance my friend! You are free! Save me a space in heaven!
I love you!!!"
""missy" and I were in 2 shows together in Virginia Beach--"Gypsy" and "Twilight of the Golds." Being onstage together was a bonding experience....when she told us that she was headed to CA we were happy for her chance to live closer to her daughter. Her FB posts about Jay showed what a wonderful life she had found with him.....we will miss her.-Steve Suskin."
"I didn't know Melissa well, but in the short time that I did get to know her, I met a vivacious and fun, but also a serious person when she needed to be. She was funny and goofy and we shared some brief laughs together at the synagogue. At Jay and Melissa's wedding, the last thing that Melissa said to my husband and I was that she hoped to getting to know us better and hoped that the 4 of us could get together more often. I am so sorry that she was gone before we could get to know her better. I do know that she filled Jay's life with joy and love and the sadness felt at her passing is non describable. We will miss you Melissa!"