Melissa Ann Libres

Melissa Ann, age 62, passed away peacefully after her almost three-year battle with cancer, on June 27, 2025, in Santa Monica, CA, surrounded by the love of her family and the melodies that shaped her extraordinary life.

Born on June 17, 1963, Melissa was a radiant soul whose free spirit could never be contained. Her life was a symphony of music, laughter, culinary adventures, and deep, meaningful connections. She lived with an open heart and an unwavering belief in the beauty of the world — a belief she generously shared with everyone lucky enough to know her.

Melissa’s passions were many: the rhythm of live music (especially watching her daughter, Angelina, sing and play bass), attending as many concerts as she could, exploring new foods, and diving into the joy of Comic-Con events. She loved to travel — especially cruises — and embraced every opportunity to elevate joy for herself and those around her. Whether dancing at a summer festival or watching the sunset over the Pacific, Melissa found wonder in life’s simplest moments.

She was a loving wife to John Petticord, her partner of over 23 years, and a devoted mother to her cherished daughter, Angelina Faith, 22 — her proudest achievement and greatest joy. Melissa is also survived by her three younger siblings — Robert, Christian, and Jennifer — who will forever miss her warmth, fierce loyalty, and uncanny ability to find light in every moment.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joseph J. Libres and Linda Lee DeFrank, whose kindness and creativity she carried forward with grace.

Melissa's spirit was bold, kind, and unapologetically authentic. She touched countless lives with her empathy, infectious laughter, and deep love for life’s adventures. She believed the world was meant to be explored, felt, and celebrated — and she lived that belief every single day.

A celebration of Melissa’s life will be held on July 12, 2025, at Thomas Miller Funeral Services in Corona, California. An additional celebration will take place on Saturday, September 6, in Michigan (location TBD), where she was born and raised. Music, stories, and shared memories will honor the way she lived — freely, fully, and with love.

She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her song lives on in every open road, every heartfelt tune, and every soul she touched.