Obituary of Melissa S. Tata

Melissa S. Tata, 38, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2018 with her loving family by her side at Saratoga Hospital. Born in Schenectady, she was the daughter of Stephen and Barbara Tata. Melissa was a 1997 graduate of Shenendehowa High School and went on to continue her education at Schenectady County Community College, graduating in 1999 with a degree in Humanity. She always had a love for animals and worked for Liberty Canine Care Center, the Animal Protective Foundation and for the past 4.5 years at Glenville Veterinary Clinic.  Melissa enjoyed music and writing. She also found great happiness in fostering and finding animals, in need, a forever home.  She will forever be remembered for her loving heart, always putting others first and never expecting anything in return. Melissa married her beloved partner of 7 years, Melanie (Keeler) Tata on February 21, 2018.  

She was predeceased by her grandparents, John and Josephine Tata and Louis Lafforthun as well as her uncle Rich Lafforthun and aunt Pat Finkle-Arnott.  In addition to her parents Steve and Barb Tata, she is survived by her loving wife Melanie Tata, her grandmother Esther Lafforthun Jasniewski, brother Nick Tata, aunt and uncle Cathy and John Tata as well as her cousins Matt Tata, Joseph Tata and Mary Jo Tata Bacorn. Her god-parents Diane and Mike DiCocco and cousins Tim and Mark DiCocco and their families also survive. Melissa leaves behind cherished childhood friends Nichole Farr and Ro Jordan and special friend Jenn Isaacson, and all who worked with her at the Glenville Vet Clinic. Also surviving are her feline companions Smokey, Pumpkin, and Mr. Tiddles and her father in law Mark Keeler.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 from 2pm to 5pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville.  Relatives and friends are welcome to attend.

The family would like to thank the palliative care and the hospice unit at Saratoga Hospital for the wonderful care given to Melissa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Melissa’s name may be made to the Glenville Veterinary Clinic, 458 Saratoga Rd, Glenville, NY 12302. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com