Melissa Vicktoria Gardner, age 55 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully at home on Monday, April 1, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in New Brunswick, NJ, July 2, 1968, daughter of Gunilla Loren Gardner and the late Robert Gardner, Melissa embraced life with a fearless spirit and unwavering love for her family.

Working for many years at Simplex Americas in Flemington, NJ, Melissa was well regarded by her peers and consumers for her hard work ethic and attention to detail. It was this level of dedication that she passed along to her children—Katelyn, Ryan, Brooke, and Matthew—who were the lights of her life, and to whom she devoted her entire sense of self.

Being a mom made Melissa proud. She was a staunch advocate for each of her children, encouraging them to follow their dreams and to always remember that family is everything. She attended every sporting event and school function they were a part of, with her presence reminding them that they were loved and respected.

One of her lasting lessons for family and friends was to remember to cherish every moment. Melissa often reminded everyone to “pause” the noise of life and appreciate the beauty of nature, family, and all the little things. She found a special solace in the beauty of nature, often spending serene afternoons on the towpath of the Delaware River, biking through trails, or simply going for a walk. She also greatly enjoyed relaxing on a beach, especially the beaches of Point Pleasant, NJ, and the entire Jersey Shore.

Music and concerts were something that were a source of joy and inspiration for Melissa and her family. She was a true 1980’s rock guru, and the music and concerts of Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, Bon Jovi, and many others, were a time of fun and adventure.

In addition to spending time with her family, nature, and music, Melissa had a passion for all things Disney. Mickey Mouse captured her heart, and she always wanted her family to feel the love that this magical mouse put into the world. The Disney characters were true representations of her joyful and spirited nature.

It was eight years ago that Melissa’s world would change for the better when she met Chuck Porter and his son, Kyle. The pair would immediately meld into each other’s lives, and it was soon obvious to the world that Melissa and Chuck had found in each other their best friend and “other half”. Their blended family, led by Melissa’s “No Fear” attitude, created many beautiful memories which will be a source of strength and hope in the future.

“Some dream it, some do it, some do both.” These words by Walt Disney truly represent who Melissa was, is, and will continue to be. To honor her legacy is to live each day to its fullest and to never stop reaching for the stars, like she always encouraged every person to do. Her legacy of fearlessness, compassion, and unwavering love will forever illuminate the hearts of all those she touched.

In addition to her dear mother, Gunilla, Melissa is survived by her best friend and significant other, Charles Porter, Jr.; her beloved children, Katelyn Hughes, Ryan Hughes, Brooke Hughes, and Matthew Hughes; her adored stepson, Kyle Porter; her cherished brother, Scott Gardner; her devoted canine pal, Kato, and her feline friends, Emma and Rikki; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather together to celebrate Melissa’s life on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 p.m., at Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A Life Celebration service will follow the gathering at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home, and all are invited to bring heartfelt memories to share.

You are encouraged to visit Melissa’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, via mail at P.O.Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715 or online by clicking HERE or to Hunterdon Hospice, via mail at HMC Education Center, 215 Route 31 South, Flemington, NJ 08822 or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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