Melissa Schuchts Joffrion, age 49, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died on December 8, 2024 after a prolonged and fierce battle against a highly aggressive and invasive head and neck cancer.
Melissa was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 28, 1975 to David and Susan Schuchts. She was a graduate of Parkersburg High School in West Virginia, and she later graduated from the University of Kentucky. On December 14, 2002, she married Justin Joffrion in Decatur, Georgia. From there they set off on adventures in Colorado Springs, Chapel Hill, Arlington, Colorado Springs (again), San Antonio, Alexandria, and Colorado Springs. Wherever the Air Force sent her, Melissa built community and life-long friendships.
From an early age, Melissa (or Missy as she was fondly known) was excited about reading and learning and having fun. These interests only grew with time. After college she worked as a sales executive in Athens, Georgia, but soon devoted herself to motherhood. She modeled the virtues of kindness, fortitude, and charity. Throughout her life, she was a fierce advocate for teachers and public education.
Melissa brought four wonderful children into the world: Katherine (Kate), Claire, Samuel (Sam), and Jacob (Jake). She is survived by her loving husband, Justin, and their children; her mother, Susan; her siblings, Rich, Bob, Kathy, Lauren, Wayne, Bart, Margaret, and Paul. Her father, David, stepmother, Paula, and eldest brother, David, preceded her in death. She is blessed by her wonderful family and friends.
Melissa’s impact on the lives of so many others will never be forgotten. She is loved by many and will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will occur at 5pm on Wednesday, December 18th at the Hotel Polaris. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Colorado Springs at 10am on Thursday, December 19th and followed by interment at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to the Rockrimmon Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO):
Rockrimmon PTO
194 Mikado Dr. W
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
[memo: for Melissa]
Lisa and Andrew Miller
16 Dec 2024We are so sorry for the loss of Missy in your lives! We will pray for you all during this time.
Her smile is so contagious and this is such a hard time to lose those we love. May the Lord bring, as only He can, peace in the deepest part of hearts. Love to family and friends ♥️🙏
Maria R Wolfe
16 Dec 2024We are very sorry for your loss. Losing your life partner as well as losing a parent is so very difficult. My mom always said that the very good are called home to Heaven during Christmas and Easter to celebrate these feasts with our Father at His table. You will be in our prayers during this sad time.
Ashley Allen & Brandon Dau
18 Dec 2024We are very sorry for your loss. Our hearts are with you all during this challenging time.