Melissa Ann Nussbickel, a lifelong Beacon resident, died at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 5, 2014 following a two-year battle with cancer. She was 30 years old.

She was born in Poughkeepsie on May 21, 1983 and attended local schools, graduating from Beacon High School in 2001. She began her college curriculum at Dutchess Community College and later received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan.

Throughout her studies, Melissa worked as a waitress for Brothers Trattoria in Beacon. In 2007, she began her career as a Case Worker for the Administration of Children's Services in the Bronx. She was a hard worker and dedicated her life to the well-being and care of children. She was also a parishioner of St. Joachim – St. John The Evangelist Parish in Beacon.

She is survived by her parents, Paul & Mary Ann (Montague) Nussbickel at home in Beacon; her sisters, Kristen Rutkowski & her husband Philip of Littleton, CO and Jenna Nussbickel of Beacon; her niece and goddaughter, Mikayla; her nephew, Connor; . Melissa is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and many other loving relatives & friends.

She was predeceased by her maternal Grandparents Marguerite and Joseph Montague, and her paternal grandfather, John Nussbickel.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 10 at St. John The Evangelist Church, 31 Willow Street, Beacon. Interment will follow at St. Joachim Cemetery in Beacon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org.

For directions, online condolences, and memorial donations, please visit Melissa's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.