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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Melissa Ann DeMaria
MELISSA ANN DEMARIA
Cedar Rapids
Melissa Ann DeMaria, 37, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 15, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinic following a lengthy illness with family at her side. A Celebration of Life was held at Parlor City Pub & Eatery in her memory.
Melissa was born on Jan. 18, 1984, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Blake and Barb (Folkers) DeMaria. Melissa graduated from St. Francis High School, Alpharetta, Ga., in 2002, later earning her nursing degree from Kaplan University. Throughout her nursing career she was often recognized for her strong work ethic and the outstanding care and compassion of those she cared for.
Melissa danced for 14 years, winning many dance awards and performed in the Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. She was a strong competitor in the various sports she participated in and earned all-state status at St. Francis as a member of the Georgia All-State Volleyball Team.
Survivors include her parents, Blake and Barb DeMaria; brother, Nick (Steph) Jelinek; nieces, Camilla and Savannah Jelinek; grandmother, Betty Gill; step-grandmother, Rosemary DeMaria; aunts and uncles, Bonnie (Jay) Eddings, Bill (Judy) Folkers, Bob Folkers, Toni (Steve) Mrkvicka, Pam DeMaria and Lucinda Rieder; and many special cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by grandmother, Doris Folkers; grandfathers, Joe DeMaria and Bill Folkers; stepgrandfather, John Gill; aunts and uncles, Tobie (Monty) Bounds, Barry DeMaria and Morgan Rieder.
Special thanks and appreciation to our family and friends and to each of the care providers at Unity Point Hospital, Unity Point Hospice, Physicians' Clinic of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinic - CVICU who provided outstanding medical treatment and compassionate care throughout her extended illness. Her family was blessed to have had each of you at our sides. Your professionalism throughout her journey was special.
In lieu of flowers or donations, your continued thoughts and prayers for Melissa and her family would be welcomed and appreciated.
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