SOUTH PORTLAND – Melisse J.T. Merlim, 59, of South Portland, passed away on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. She was born on Jan. 26, 1962 in Berkeley, Calif., the daughter of Valerie (Whitney) and Glenn Turner.

Survivors include her daughter, Ziana Merlim; her two sisters, Caitlin Dean and Natasha Stout; both her parents; and many more.

Melisse battled a rare bile duct cancer for nearly two years with almost no complaints, and she worked up until her final week, editing payroll five days before she passed.

She dedicated her life to Port Harbor Marine, her employer for just over 21 years. When she wasn’t at work, she enjoyed cooking, reading, vacationing, and spending time with her family and many friends.

A Celebration of Melisse’s Life will be held at a later date in June. It was her wish to wait until Covid cases go down, and the timing allows for a safer outdoor gathering with as many loved ones as possible.

Melisse was a light in the lives of so many and will be missed beyond measure.

Arrangements entrusted to Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maine Cancer Foundation in her honor.