Melissa Ann Parras

Melissa Ann, age 42, a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, returned peacefully to the Lord's hands, in the presence of her family on Friday, October 24, 2014 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Joe and Helen Parras and Procopio and Erma Martinez; and uncle Mark Parras. Melissa was born on August 3, 1972 and spent her childhood in Albuquerque's north valley; Woodbridge, VA; and Los Alamos, NM. She is survived by her dearest friend, Meg McArthur of Jacksonville; parents Bill and Lydia Parras of Albuquerque; sister Rachel Garcia (Carlos) of Albuquerque; brothers Jeffrey and Jonathan Parras of Albuquerque; sister Susan Parras of Austin, Texas; her beloved nieces Kristelle Parras and Haylee Garcia and nephew Isaiah Garcia. Melissa was loved by her aunts and uncles: Lydia and Orlando Romero, Ken and Janice Parras, Martin and Gladys Martinez, Michael and Vangie Montoya and many other close relatives and friends. Melissa lived her life with boundless energy and a joyful, compassionate spirit. She was known for her devotion to her friends and family and a willingness to help anyone. Melissa loved to travel and explore. Her adventurous spirit led her to enjoy many types of recreational activities like basketball, camping, boating, fishing, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, parasailing, crewing hot air balloons, and riding her motorcycle. She was an avid cook and enjoyed posting pictures of her culinary creations and adventures on social media. She was especially fond of her dog, Cody. Melissa graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1990 and earned a bachelors degree from the University of Phoenix in Information Technology (IT). She continued to develop and apply her professional skills primarily in the healthcare and educational fields in New Mexico, Nevada, and Florida. Her recent position as Senior Business Analyst with Compass Consulting Group, was an employment opportunity that she cherished. Funeral services will be conducted in Albuquerque, NM: Rosary Service to be held on Sunday, November 16, 2014, 6:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE; and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Bennett J. Voorhies on Monday, November 17, 2014, 8:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 2532 Vermont St. NE. Internment will be held following the funeral Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, San Juan Diego Friary, 404 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 for their ongoing work to serve the local poor and youth.