Melissa Ley, 42, passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2021.
Born on December 7, 1978, in Davie, Florida, Melissa was the oldest child born to Kevin A. and Cheryl L. (Ostaski) Nielsen. The family would move from Margate, Florida to Plymouth, Indiana in 1992. She would attend Plymouth High School and be involved in the drama club, graduating with the class of 1998. She would then go on to attend Ancilla College in Donaldson.
While in high school, she was friends with Daniel P. Ley. They would grow apart for a while after high school but would re-connect in 2009. Melissa would marry Dan on May 16, 2015, at the Wild Rose Moon in Plymouth. The couple dreamed of traveling but health complications didn’t allow that to happen.
Melissa was bubbly, always smiling and never knew a stranger. She loved to talk and ask questions about what she didn’t know. She was a role model for her siblings, and they looked up to her. She enjoyed asking her mother-in-law for cooking tips and recipes and loved getting to dogsit Emma, her mother-in-law’s dog, for extended weekends.
She loved watching Netflix, reading and was very computer savvy. Melissa attended New Song Community Church with Dan. She personally struggled with mental illness and was always trying to get better. Her family loved her strong will and heart.
She is dearly missed by her husband, Dan of Plymouth; her father, Kevin Nielsen of Plymouth; her siblings, Brittany (Chase) Wright of Bourbon, Jeff Nielsen of Plymouth, and Katie (Brendan Orr) Nielsen of Plymouth; nephew, Walker Wright and maternal grandmother, Beverly Ostaski of Coconut Creek, FL; her mother-in-law, Therese “Terry” Winter Ley; sister-in-law, Emily (Kevin) Escapule of Warsaw and nephew and niece, Carter and Harper Escapule as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Melissa was preceded in death by her mother Cheryl Nielsen, father-in-law Eugene “Gene” Ley and maternal grandfather, Joe Ostaski.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2022.
Memorial contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana 4656 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 100, Ft. Wayne, IN 46804.Ley
Patty Whitehead says
My deepest sympathy to the families. Prayers for strength in this difficult time.
Beville says
Ley family accept our deepest sympathies…peace and prayers for all.
The Beville and Ashley (Sarah) families.
Stacey Hissong Dybala says
Heart-felt sadness for the loss of Melissa. May God help you all to find strength in each other and comfort knowing she is watching over you.
Dawn Ringer-Bultena says
My prayers are with you Dan. I am so sorry to hear of losing your precious wife, Melissa. May God be with you and help you and your entire family and friends during this time of grieving. My love is with you all!
Mike Fitzgerald says
So very sad. Their wedding was so beautiful, especially with Gene and Aunt Lori still alive. Rest in peace.
Katie Ruggles says
Melissa was kind hearted in school and always gave you a smile when she greeted you or if you greeted her. So very sorry for your loss. Talk about her and those precious memories you have made. Prayers for family and friends.
Lisa Thomas says
My deepest sympathies to your family, especially Dan. Until you meet again.
Sue Keck Wagoner says
Sincere condolences to the family. Praying for help and healing for you all.
Pat Hilt says
May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you strength to endure the heartache you’re feeling right now. Sending all of you live and prayers. Pat
Pat Hilt says
May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you strength to endure the heartache you’re feeling right now. Sending all of you love and prayers. Pat
Kathy McDonald says
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and love to all of you.
Mike and Kathy
Angie Kain says
Dan, Teri and Melissa’s family,
Please except our deepest condolences. Lance and I were able to attend school and be friends with Melissa and Dan.
I’ve never met two people that were more perfect for each other.
Our hearts hurt for you all.
I will always remember how ready she was to marry Dan! She wanted to walk down that isle early!
Maybe you always feel her with you and hold on to the good times you shared.
Barb Lowry says
We send our sympathy and prayers to you, Dan, and your family. We are so sad for your loss. May God and all his Angels and Saints comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Barb and Bub Lowry and family