Melissa J. Varnavas
December 29, 1973 ~ August 11, 2022
BEVERLY- Melissa Jane Varnavas, 48, passed away on August 11, 2022, surrounded by her family. She is the wife of Chris Terrell with whom she shared 18 years of marriage and 25 years together.
Born in Beverly on December 29, 1973, she was the daughter of Charles and Donalene (Henry) Varnavas of Beverly. Melissa was a life-long resident of Beverly and graduated for Beverly High School in 1991. She received her bachelor’s degree from The College of New Rochelle and master’s degree from Pine Manor College. She had been a reporter/editor for the Beverly Citizen, and employee for HCPRO/ACIDS for several years. Melissa enjoyed writing and was a gifted poet. She also enjoyed the beach, fireworks, a beautiful evening sky, hosting family and friends in her home, and her beautiful flower garden.
In addition to her husband, Chris, she is survived by her sister, Samantha McHale and her husband, Michael of Lynn, her brother Michael Varnavas and his wife Ruth of SC, her step-brother, Greg Tsiopanas and his wife, Lynda of HI, her sister-in-law, Kimberly Fagan and her husband, David of Woburn, her nieces and nephews, Connor, Liam, Quinn, Eamonn, Madisen, Devon, Cameron, Mason, Cole, Emily, Jessica and Marie, her cats Hugo and Katrina, and so many dear friends and extended family.
Her Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. Burial will follow in North Beverly Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at Breast Cancer Research Foundation, www.BCRF.org.
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Melissa was more than just an aunt she was my best friend big sister and hero I looked up to her all my life and now she will be watching over me and my children
It was impossible not to smile in Melissa’s presence. She was as sparkling and full of life as anyone I’ve ever known. I, like untold others, admired her as a co-worker and valued her as a friend.
It was a joy to work with Melissa and to meet her in the neighborhood we later shared on Fish Flake Hill. The world isn’t as bright today without Melissa in it.
Dena Lisle
So sorry to hear of her passing. She was a treasure with an infectious smile.
Such a beautiful, kind, talented person, such a loss. She is a part of our community memory.
I had the pleasure of working with Melissa for many years, and honestly there are a lot of stories that could be shared (some Melissa would appreciate me not telling) but, I think my fondest memory is one from not that long ago, we were doing a virtual meet and great so that our ACDIS family could get to know the people on our team. It was like being on a facetime call with a friend or family member. Once we started talking we just couldn’t stop and the laughing about the craziest things continued until we realized so much time had pasted, and we hadn’t even started the interview. We finally did and everything worked out okay but, I will always remember this as being one of my favorite conversations. This was my one on one time to talk with a friend who I didn’t get to see all the time. We had a lot in common both being raised in Boston, having a strong love of family and traditions and, both being able to talk forever and about nothing. I will miss Melissa very much. I would really like her family to know you were Melissa’s passion, Melissa was family first always, and very much loved her husband. It was very obvious every time she spoke of you.
With deepest sympathy,
Sharme Brodie
I was lucky to meet Melissa on my first day at the Solstice MFA Creative Writing program and to go through the program with her, side by side. Although we studied in different workshops, we shared the awkwardness of not knowing anyone at first, the nerves on campus, and the journey through the semesters and residencies until the final day when we graduated together. We stayed in touch and occasionally got together, and I regret that over the past number of years we had only exchanged occasional emails. She was so friendly, her smile so radiant, her encouragement and friendship so generously offered. We shared a love for the Grateful Dead but never had a chance to see any version of them together. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. My thoughts are with Melissa, and I want to express my sympathy to her family and to her husband Chris, whom she loved so much.
Melissa was such a sweet and friendly person. I worked in the same office as her at Simplify Compliance/HC Pro for a few years, and as a younger employee at the time still getting used to working life she was one of the people in the office who always made me feel welcomed. Her laugh could be heard throughout the day – I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.
I am so heartbroken! Melissa had a smile that could light up a room and make everyone feel included. Sending prayers and blessings to your family during this difficult time
I met Melissa when she joined the Beverly Citizen back in 1996 or 1997, and we became fast friends, sharing the burdens of working for a crazy company and the joys of telling stories for our community. We’ve been close ever since. I will miss her forever.
My Condolences, May Her Memory Be Eternal 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻