After a short but courageous battle with cancer, Melissa Ann Ringler died on January 3, 2017 in the Ottawa Hospital at the age of 43. She leaves behind her parents, Fran and Dave, her brothers Warren (Catherine) and Stuart (Josephine), her nephew Kinnon and nieces Jocelyn and Veronica. Melissa was born on October 1, 1973 in Brampton, Ontario. At the age of one month she and her parents moved to St. Catharines, Ontario, where she was raised and attended elementary and high school. She attended Trent University where she received her B.Sc. and then Queens University where she received her B.Ed. After graduating in 1997, she accepted a teaching position at Seaway District High School in Iroquois, Ontario where she taught Chemistry, Science and Math. She taught there until September this year, with the exception of a two year break when she taught at St. Lawrence Secondary School in Cornwall, Ontario. Teaching was her passion and she inspired many students through her teaching as well as extra curricular activities. Her passion for mentoring children continued as she became an active leader at the Williamsburg Sparks, Brownies and Guides. She also was an active organizer of the local Science Fair. Diagnosed in September Melissa faced her diagnosis with such strength, bravery and hope and remained focused and determined to the end.
Funeral Arrangements
Friends may call at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Thursday, January 12th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., then at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday, January 13th from 2-4 p.m. A Celebration of Melissa’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Morrisburg on Friday, January 13th from 5-9 p.m. There will be an opportunity to share memories at 5 p.m. with a light meal to follow. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the Melissa Ringler Memorial Scholarship Fund so that Melissa’s memory can continue to assist children in the pursuit of their education. The family would especially like to thank her many friends for visiting and helping Melissa remain so hopeful. We would also like to thank the entire 7 West staff at the Ottawa General who were so caring and compassionate. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.
