Melissa's Memorial

In Memory of Melissa Sue Norman-McCormick

October 15, 1969 - January 31, 2021

Melissa's smile and laughter were infectious. It was impossible to be sad when she was around. I suspect that's the reason I have so many happy memories of the time spent as  one of her best friends - we were inseparable for many years - sharing our extended friends, our family, our dreams and goals. Just look at these photos - isn't it obvious, we've got the world by the tail?

When we met at age 18, we were young, silly and full of life. I was mesmerized by the person she was. She was beautiful in every way - kind, compassionate, funny... she was smart, she could dance, tell a great joke, she could cook and bake and she always made me believe in myself. 

Melissa was just 51 when she passed away and it's left a huge hole in my heart. She loved her family, her friends and her dogs. Felix and Oscar were truly fortunate. She loved doting on them. Felix sadly lost his battle with Kidney disease in August of 2018 after fighting hard for several months. She wrote me a crushing note letting me know how very hard it was to say goodbye given how hard she fought to save him. She wanted nothing more than to give him everything he needed to beat the disease.

When I learned that Melissa had passed, I knew I would honor her wishes by contributing to her Church, sending flowers and wrapping her loved ones in prayer. But I also wanted to create a memorial here, at Brown Dog Foundation, where we could save a dog or cat in her, Felix and Oscar's honor too. I think that would make her smile. I know it makes me smile. 

So, this is my gift to you, Melsa-Sue. Just hoping to help keep your beautiful smile shining on. 
I love you so very much my friend. And I will miss you. 
I am forever better because you were a part of me. 

"They say in Heaven, love comes first. 
We'll make Heaven a place on Earth." 
- Belinda Carlisle

Melissa's Family



Melissa had many pets throughout the years. While Felix (black dog below) passed on in 2018, Oscar (gold dog below) remains with her family. 

I have lived in a different state from Melissa since 1996. I've remained single and focused on my career and building Brown Dog Foundation while Melissa went on to have a beautiful family, two gorgeous girls and a handsome boy with her longtime partner, Brett (whom she finally made an honest man of after 30 years!).  We seldom saw each other after that early decade, but I never stopped adoring her. When I was home on brief trips, we'd get together. And most recently, we'd reconnected via Facebook. My forever regret will be not having made it more of a priority to see her in recent years. I should have made it a priority. She deserved that and I didn't know how much I needed it until I learned she was gone. 

Sully's life was saved through Melissa's Memorial

Sully
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