Melissa J. Stevens

Melissa Jayne (Trainor) Stevens

February 23, 1956 - December 9, 2024

Melissa was a beloved wife and mother, a skilled homemaker and a keen gardener. She excelled in caring and nurturing, and was quick to find the best in others, to give a heartfelt gift, or to offer a kind word, smile and deed. She laughed often and much and had a wonderful sense of humor. A natural storyteller, she often delighted those who knew her with funny anecdotes of the goings-on in life and family. Things bloomed in her warm and sunny presence.

She passed away December 9 of pancreatic cancer, which she faced with grace and bravery, always more concerned with her loved ones than herself. Her great faith in God’s promise to soon restore the earth to a paradise free of pain and suffering helped her to endure. She loved sharing this promise of a better future — and therefore devoted a large part of her life to helping others learn what the Bible teaches. She was an active, baptized member of the Riverside congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Utica.

Melissa was born in Constableville, New York, on February 23, 1956 to her treasured parents, Hugh and Mabel (Betsinger) Trainor. She was a 1974 graduate of Adirondack Central School in Boonville. She married her husband, Joseph Stevens, in 1977, and together they raised two loving sons, Jason (wife Sarah) and Andrew Stevens, both of Utica. She absolutely cherished them and loved caring for her family, and they remained by her side to comfort and support her, forming a constant vigil, through the end.

Home and family were at the center of Melissa’s life, having been one of seven close-knit children: Michael (Des) Trainor; Cynthia (Randall) Crill; Lauri (Kevin) Owens; Nanette (Keith) Owens; Nathan (Jill) Trainor; and Ben (Tammy) Trainor. This strong foundation of faith, home and family served as an anchor for Melissa’s life and made her a natural caregiver, a gift she also used to help and uplift others through her work with Comfort Keepers.

Melissa will be dearly missed while she rests in death. Her loved ones are eager to welcome her back in the resurrection to a paradise earth restored to God’s original purpose.

The family would like to thank the oncology unit of Wynn Hospital, with special thanks to the nurses, who cared for her with diligence and tenderness during her short stay there.

A memorial service for Melissa will be held Saturday, December 14, at 1:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 585 Trenton Road in Utica. 

“The meek will possess the earth, and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. ” (Psalm 37: 11)

For an on-line message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com