Melissa Louise Veltidi passed away suddenly on July 22, 2021. Born, February 12, 1994, Melissa is survived by her Father, Alan Veltidi (Janis), Mother, Anita Newell, Sisters, Jacqueline Zebrowski (Kevin) and Kristi Veltidi (Antonio), her cousin and Godmother, Renee Lynn Smith, as well as countless aunts, uncles and cousins. She is predeceased by her Grandparents, Mary and Harry Newell of Nanuet and Pasquale and Lillian Veltidi of Nanuet. Melissa also leaves behind an amazing daughter Lily, who brought unimaginable joy to Melissa’s life. Melissa began her life as a fighter, born three months premature, she spent her first few weeks in the NICU of Westchester Medical Center. That was Melissa though, always a fighter; for her life, for her daughter, for what she believed in and with the addiction that she ultimately succumbed to. Anyone who had met Melissa saw that she was a free spirit, an open-minded thinker who never judged anyone she came across. She was outspoken and passionate and had a love for music and creativity. Melissa always saw the good in people and she ensured that she raise her daughter with that same open-mindedness, positivity and strength. You may see the word addiction and read this with judgment, but I implore you to see that addiction is a disease, one that is currently claiming an entire generation of young people from all backgrounds. Melissa’s family is large and loving and had done everything in their power to help her survive the fight, but even with the support of her family, friends and access to resources, she still lost a ten year war she had been battling inside herself. Our grief is unimaginable, but we take solace knowing that Melissa is now finally free from the addiction that plagued the majority of her adult life. Her memory will forever be a part of us and her daughter will know Melissa’s never-ending love, strength and kindness. Melissa’s love for her daughter was infinite, and now so is Melissa’s spirit. The family would like to thank all those who helped Melissa throughout her adult life, the therapists, counselors, friends, and family who lent their helping hands anytime Melissa needed support. The family would especially like to let those who are currently battling their own addictions, know that each day is a new chance, to begin again without judgment and we hope you can find the strength to win your own fight. Visitation will take place at the Joseph W Sorce Funeral Home 728 West Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994 (845) 358-4433 on Monday July 26, from 4 PM to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers please contribute to Melissa's daughter, Lily's college fund. The fund is at ugift529.com and her gift code is Y49-D13.