PORTLAND – Melissa Gail O’Connor, 46, of Portland, passed away on Sunday Jan. 31, 2021, after a tragic fall at her home. Born in Hartford, Conn. on June 21, 1974, a daughter of Thomas O’Connor and Denise Moreau Hendrickson.

At a young age, Melissa moved to the Connecticut shoreline and attended Westbrook, Conn. schools from kindergarten through high school. After high school, Melissa continued her education and became a nail technician. She had her own nail salon for several years until she developed Fibromyalgia. The condition was severe enough, she had to stop work and was on disability income. Over the years, arthritis developed in her knees hindering mobility.

For several years she was married to Joseph Kowalczyk in Clinton, Conn. and afterwards, lived in various Connecticut towns.

During this time, Melissa’s family moved to Massachusetts and Maine. In the past year, Melissa realized she missed her family and wanted to get closer to them. After visiting her father a few times in the summer, Melissa moved to Portland. The pandemic prevented widespread visiting, but she was able to spend many hours on the phone and video chats with her mom, brother and niece. Melissa visited her father regularly and they were able to enjoy outings and good times together.

Melissa is survived by her mother, Denise and her husband Paul Hendrickson of Wellfleet, Mass.; her father, Tom O’Connor of Portland; her brother, Christopher O’Connor, his wife Jessica and niece, Samantha O’Connor, of Bridgewater Mass.; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Melissa loved and cared for her fellow man. She brought joy and happiness wherever she went.

Following the CDC guidelines and state mandates, and for the safety of all in attendance, social distancing and face masks are required.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal St., Portland. The funeral Mass for Melissa will be livestreamed from the A.T. Hutchins website. To share memories or to offer online condolences to the O’Connor family please visit, http://www.athutchins.com.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like, please make a donation to

The Good Shepherd

Food Bank

P.O. Box 1807

Auburn, ME 04211

or charity of your choice.

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