Melissa W. Woolley

Melissa Wilkes Woolley, age 59, passed away peacefully at home in Deptford, NJ on May 2nd, 2024. She grew up in Rockville, Maryland and graduated from Richard Montgomery High School in 1982 and earned her bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Delaware in 1986. She also had a successful lacrosse career as a goalie while at UDel. She later went back and obtained a master’s degree from Neumann University in 1998. Melissa worked at Wawa in the call center and later as a HR Technology Programmer. Some of her best memories come from her time at Wawa. At Wawa Melissa met her partner and lifelong friends. Melissa and her partner, Michelle, began their life together in 1996. They shared 28 amazing years together. Melissa enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and bird watching when she was not watching Modern Family, Castle, or the Hallmark Channel. Melissa cherished Thanksgiving at her sister’s home where she often played football with her nephews. She was an avid sports fan. She spent a few years with season tickets to the Washington Redskins/Commanders and Philadelphia Wings, and she loved attending these events with Michelle. (even though Michelle is a Dallas Cowboys fan.) She really enjoyed the time spent in Avalon with her father riding their bikes to the Paper Peddler in the morning to get the newspaper. She loved hanging out with a small group of friends playing Texas hold’em and just having fun. She loved music and crushed at karaoke, known for her rendition of “What’s Up?” (4 Non Blondes song). She enjoyed her free time traveling and golfing and spending weekends down the shore at the beach and at the Borgata. She also really loved the annual trip to the Bahamas. If there was fun to be had or an adventure to go on, Melissa was up for it! She was well known for her great sense of humor, a little sarcastic, but always funny. Melissa was uniquely empathetic. She led with her heart and showed others how to lead with theirs. Melissa was truly an awesome person, a hidden gem that Michelle was so fortunate to have found. To remember and honor Melissa today, and every day, pass on a kindness or a good laugh with someone. Melissa is survived by her beloved partner, Michelle Volkwine, her sister, Laddie Franz (Bill) of Hopewell, NJ and brother, Jonathan Woolley of Fort Lee, NJ. She was a special aunt to Erin Franz Marr (Kevin), Billy Franz, and Jeffrey Franz (Chanel). Melissa is predeceased by her mother, Caroline W. Wilkes, and her father, Donald E. Woolley. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to be offered to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Visitation will be Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 11-12pm with a service beginning at 12pm in The Chapel of Boucher Funeral Home, 1757 Delsea Drive Deptford, NJ 08096. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed by visiting her Tribute Wall. After the service, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Auletto’s to honor Melissa and to reminisce, share stories, and have fun. Children Welcome to attend. For condolences, please visit www.boucherfuneralhome.com.

Melissa W. Woolley

September 20, 1964 - May 2, 2024