Melissa was born on December 20, 1962, in El Dorado, Union County, Arkansas, to Sandra Jean Johnson Malloch and James David Malloch, When she was eighteen months old the family moved to Denton, later to Lubbock, and finally to Beaumont, where she attended Beaumont schools from the first through the eighth grade.
Melissa’s early music training was in piano with Sara and Hugh Thompson, and included playing viola in the Austin Middle School Orchestra. At the beginning of her ninth grade year, the family moved to Pinewood in the Hardin-Jefferson School District. She participated in the high school band where she excelled as a percussionist and oboist. Melissa graduated from Hardin-Jefferson High School in 1981 as Valedictorian of her Senior Class.
She enrolled in Lamar University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1985. She was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority chapter at LU. On May 18, 1985, she married Jeffrey Arlin Boychuk. The following year her daughter, Brittany Leigh was born in Beaumont before the family moved to New York, and later to Limehouse, Ontario, Canada. In Canada, Melissa gave birth to Tiffany Ann and Jay Cameron.
In December 2004, Melissa and Jeff were divorced and she returned to Texas where she worked in the oil and gas industry as a Landman. Her last employment was with J. Mark Smith and Associates, Beaumont. She endured a lengthy battle with cancer that began in 2009 and ended with her death on Sunday, July 19, 2015, at age 52.
Mary is survived by her children, Brittany Leigh Boychuk, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Tiffany Ann Baird, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and Jay Cameron Boychuk, of Munich, Germany; granddaughter, Eva Ann Baird, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; parents, Sandra and J. David Malloch, of Pinewood; and brother, J. Scott Malloch, of Chappell Hill.
A private family committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, #4 Bayou Brandt, Suite B, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
"From her children: Thank you to everyone for sharing your prayers, and especially your stories about our mom. Melissa did not want anyone to worry about her and so told very few people she was battling cancer. She wanted everyone to continue embracing life rather than dwelling on death. Any fond, funny, or favorite memories/stories would be and have been wonderful to hear. They are a great way to celebrate the wonderful parts of her and her life rather than dwelling on the much suffering she went through over the last many years. Please share your stories in the Guestbook. Please share the light."
