Obituary of Melissa Rainone

Melissa Ann Rainone, 52, of Hilliard, FL, formerly of New Rochelle, NY, and Corning, NY, passed away peacefully after a long battle with pancreatic cancer on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at the Warner Center Hospice facility surrounded by her close family. Melissa was born on July 23, 1968 in Corning, NY. Daughter of the late Jo Ann Tuma and David Tuma, she was a graduate of Corning East High School and from Arnot Ogden School of Nursing. She attended Elmira College and studied at Capella University, where she was still working towards a Masters in Nursing degree. Melissa worked at Split Rock Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, first as Assistant Director of Nursing and then as Home Care Director of Nursing through the majority of 2020. Melissa previously worked in the healthcare field through several decades, including travel nursing, ICU at Arnot Ogden, MDS nurse at Episcopal Nursing Home, Sunrise Manor, Director of Nursing at The Grove at Valhalla, and nursing/patient services at Briah/Atara Home Care Agencies. Nothing gave her more pleasure in the world than to help others. She especially loved mentoring her staff and encouraging them to learn and grow, taking much pride in her work. Melissa is survived by her daughter, Laura Dolan, her sons Josh Batchelder and Dennis Skay, her sons-in-law Connor Dolan and Robert Hayes, and her father David Tuma. She is also survived by her sister, Carrie Tuma, and her brothers Mike Tuma and David Tuma. Her special friend, Walter Hubbard, remained by her side for nearly 10 years. Melissa leaves behind her doggie Mowgli, as well as constant canine companions Beth, Grace, Shelby, Ruger, Bernard, & Raven. She was predeceased by her brother Lee Tuma, her mother Jo Ann Tuma, and her loyal dog Isabella. Melissa loved her family and going on vacations, and her favorite place in the world was wherever she could dip her toes into the sand and feel the cleansing water of the beach. She found much passion in nursing and helping others above all else. She always remained sweet and caring, putting everyone’s needs first and her needs last. Her artwork, including painting, crocheting, and sketching, brought much love to her and everyone around her. She loved going to see tearjerker romantic movies (especially Titanic), attending hockey games, working on projects around the house, and eating at restaurants. Her favorite foods included medium-rare steak and tacos, but she had quite the sweet tooth, especially for some chocolate chip cookies and creme brûlée! Melissa was a big fan of her favorite TV show, Grey’s Anatomy, and faithfully watched (and rewatched) every single episode; her favorite movies were anything Harry Potter! Just after being diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer, Melissa was able to attend her daughter’s wedding in Georgia, an occasion that brought her so much pure joy. She got to attend a Gene Simmons meet and greet, travel to NYC to see Harry Potter on Broadway, listen to her son Dennis’s new music, and dedicate spending more time with her children and close friends. For her 52nd birthday this year, she went on a vacation with her entire family to Savannah, Georgia (where she took many travels onto Tybee Island’s beautiful beach) and then to a quiet retreat at a rented-house in Darien, Georgia, where she could relax, paint, and connect with her children. Most recently, she took a trip back to New York, where she was able to attend her son Josh’s wedding and travel upstate to see family members and dozens of homes she once held. When back in Florida, she loved taking trips to Hobby Lobby and painting ceramics. Close family and friends will be notified privately about a forthcoming memorial to be held in Ellijay, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Melissa’s name. If you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills, well, the landslide will bring it down.