Melissa Lea (Riley) Bernard, age 47, of Frisco, Texas, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2019. She was born August 3, 1971, in Ft. Worth, Texas, to Patti (Dye) and Pat Riley. Melissa married Thomas John Bernard in Grapevine, Texas, on May 12, 2007. She was an audiologist who worked for an ENT for many years, then became a stay at home mom to look after her two wonderful kids, Ryan and Madeleine. She was also a very active volunteer for St. Martin de Porres, where both kids attend school and church.
Melissa leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Thomas Bernard; her precious children, Ryan and Madeleine Bernard; her parents, Patricia and Pat Riley of Granbury, Texas; her sister, Amy Vargas and her husband, Ken, of McKinney, Texas; her Aunt Gerri Dye of Fort Worth, Texas; her nieces, Riley Gallagher and Lexi Bernard; her nephews, Braden Gallagher, Michael Vargas and Aaron Vargas; her mother & father-in-law, Yvette and Paul Bernard; her brothers-in law, Russ Bernard and his wife, Meredith, and Ken Bernard; as well as many out of state Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, 3990 W. University, Prosper, Texas, on Monday, January 14, 2019, at 2:30 p.m., officiated by Father Walter Dworak and Deacon Jack Gardner. Family invites friends to a Visitation held at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 8520 Main Street, Frisco, Texas, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a rosary at 3:30 p.m. Interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Melissa asked for donations to Metavivor Research and Support Inc.
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I met Melissa at MOPS in 2010. She was always a joy with a bright smile. She was welcoming and kind, the most genuine person there. The world lost a treasure when she was taken. My prayers go to her family and friends. She leaves a void that can never be refilled. Tara Hunt, July 26, 2020 We are sending our prayers and love for you and your family. God be with you all in this sorrowful time. Debbie and Darwin Hutchison, January 13, 2019 Although I do not recall how I met Melissa, as it was nearly 20 years ago. I do remember how fast our friendship grew. She was a vibrant, funny, caring, loving, adventurous, sensible, outgoing, trustworthy, honest and overall good friend. She was the type you could share your deepest personal thoughts with and know they would not be shared with the world. Unfortunately after she married our lives eventually drifted appart. So I was unaware of her illness and was saddened to hear of her passing. My prayers and thoughts are with Tom, the kids and all of Melissa’s family. God bless her and all who mourn her loss. Many blessings Shannon (Barnes) Hadala Shannon (Barnes) Hadala, January 13, 2019 I am so sorry for your loss. I have prayed for you to our loving creator who is called in the Bible the God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) He has promised that there will come a time when there would be no more death. He puts it this was in 1 Corinthians 15:26, "And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing." At that time no one will suffer the loss of a loved one in death. In John 5:28, 29 Jesus said he would resurrect all those in the graves. So we could possibly see all our dead loved ones again and never have to lose them again. A wonderful family reunion would be possible if we are there. I hope this helps some. There is more at jw.org. Steve Steve Floyd, January 12, 2019 Tom, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be for you and your family. Caroline Spade, January 12, 2019 Tommy and family, Please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss of such a wonderful wife and mother, I never had the pleasure of meeting Melissa but I heard many wonderful things about her from my dear friend Yvette. My prayers are with you during this very difficult time. God Bless you and your family. Love, Lise Larochelle Lise Larochelle , January 12, 2019 My prayers are with your family! Melissa was a sweet childhood friend at St. Andrews. I have prayed for her through her illness and am so sorry to hear of her passing. My heart goes out to all of you and you will remain in my prayers. Anna Newbern Swann Anna Newbern Swann, January 11, 2019 Pat, Patti, and Family - Words are so inadequate at such a time as this. Please know that you are being remembered in both thought and prayer by many. Randy and Marinelle Szenasy, January 11, 2019 I believe God put Melissa in my life for a very special reason. I grew to love her more and more every time we were together. We would laugh until we cried most times we were together. From her dancing the jig at our last coffee date, to the time we both worked together to smash a wasp in her blinds while running around screaming trying not to get stung, she made everything an adventure filled with laughter. She will forever be in my heart, and my prayers are forever with your family. May God’s peace blanket you, and may you take comfort knowing she touched so many of us with her beautiful smile and never ending laughter. Jenn Bryson, January 11, 2019 My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Linda Leary, January 11, 2019 I’m going to miss you my “Birthday Twin”! I will celebrate you as I indulge in our favorite Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream every August 3rd, knowing you are where God needs you to be and knowing I will see you again! I will share my memories of you with joy laughter and tears because you have been a part of my life for the past 18 years! Your smile, those eyes, the Irish dancing, that science mind of yours....that I met you while you were still a barista at Starbucks:) You have been made whole and healed! I love you friend. Xoxoxo Aub Aubree Jones, January 10, 2019 Melissa was a beautiful woman who I had the pleasure of getting to know over the past several months. I will miss her spirited nature and her kind heart. Prayers for you all. Liz McHugh, January 10, 2019 Tom, Ryan and Madeline-prayers and love to you and your family. You will always have precious memories of your ever loving wife and mother. Tom & Shari Williams, January 10, 2019 Tom, Our prayers are with you, Ryan, and Madeline. We hurt with you, but know she is with Jesus at this time. Please let us know if you need anything. Leonard Powell, January 9, 2019 I’m so sorry this has happened. We love you all so much. Please let us know if you need anything. Anything at all. John and Diane Linkletter, January 9, 2019
