Melissa Ann Dion

April 6, 1972 - March 29, 2018

Melissa Ann Dion, "Missy", age 45, passed away on March 29, 2018. Melissa was born in Orlando, Florida where she was raised until 1994. At that time she moved to Kissimmee, Florida and lived there for a few years until she found a place "in the cloud" as she would put it. Melissa worked in the hospitality industry for many years and she was very good at her job. She has always been a people person. Her tender heart for others and the willingness to help anyone made her a very special person. She loved spending time with family and friends, but her number one thing in life was her daughter, to whom she cherished. One of her favorite past times was being on the back of a motorcycle feeling the wind on her face. Everyone who knew Melissa knew she was a one-in-a million, strong, confident, loyal, and an all around beautiful person. Her smile, laughter, and sentimental ways were contagious. As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and friend, she is very much missed. Though her life here on earth was cut way too short, Melissa would not want us to dwell on her being gone, but instead to relish in who she was to each one of us and the impact she had in our lives. Melissa is survived by her mother and step-father: Carla and Al Rider, Kissimmee, FL; Her father and step-mother: Bill and Sharon Dowdy, Paisley, FL; Daughter; Madison, St. Cloud, FL; Sisters: Raquel Kania (Larry), St. Cloud, FL, Ericka Smith (Bobby), St. Cloud, FL, Step-Sisters: Judy, Betsy, Keni, Jennifer, Tracy, and Lauren; Nieces: Shelby, Jada, Melissa, Jennifer, Lindsey, Caitlynn, Kendall, Sarah, Logan, and Peyton; Nephews; Tyler, Jake and Austin; Boyfriend, Ben and his dog Wilson. Thank you all who have become a part of this journey. Your thoughts, prayers, and memories shared are very much appreciated. There has been a GoFundMe page set up in her name, Missy Dowdy, for those who would like to give.