Melissa A. Banda

Melissa Banda, age 34, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Chicago, IL on September 30, 1988, at St Luke’s Hospital. She had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. Melissa was not quiet and loved being around people, but she was also very witty and fun! She was fearless and independent yet compassionate. Melissa loved cooking, video gaming, going to country concerts, her cats, writing and helping those who were sick or needed anything.

Melissa was strong-willed and stubborn, but those traits defined her. They were part of who she was; her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life’s challenges. From age 10, Melissa had diabetes and almost lost her life. Later in life, doctors told her she had Lupus, including Kidney disease. Melissa was a strong fighter but is now sailing on a journey to shores that we cannot see. We know that she is free from pain and floating peacefully with her children, grandparents, aunt, and uncle.

Melissa will be greatly missed by her fiancé, Glenn; their pets, her children, Aviah and Andrew;  her best friend,  Jesse Sawczenko, her parents, Silvia and Ruben Banda; her brothers, Ruben Banda Jr and Gabriel Trujillo; her sister, Patricia Banda; her brother-in-law, Jose Otero; her nephews, Jaziah, Hosea, Alexander, Moses, Javoni, Isaac, Ivaan, Ezekiel and Gabriel; her nieces, Eliana, Ciara, Carmen, Amaris, Aliana, Adalis, Aaliyah, Alanis and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

                                                                                                  John 11:25 – 26

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.