Melissa Joy LeBaron, born on April 11, 1983, in Des Moines, IA, passed away on May 24, 2023, at UW Madison Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She succumbed to metastatic breast cancer after a brief struggle.

Melissa was a resilient individual who faced numerous challenges throughout her life. Born with Nager Syndrome, she underwent multiple surgeries and therapies. Eight years ago she developed and beat breast cancer. Despite these adversities, she flourished with an indomitable human spirit that propelled her forward. Melissa's unwavering determination and positive outlook on life were evident in her pursuits and accomplishments.

She graduated from Beloit Memorial High School and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin Rock County and UW Milwaukee, where she obtained a degree in Journalism with a minor in History. For two years she participated in the AmeriCorps program where she worked in the state of Washington with underprivileged children. After healing from cancer, she decided to change the trajectory of her life and pursued a Masters in Social Work at the University of Minnesota. Melissa's passion for social work led her to become a Licensed Graduate Social Worker at the Washburn Children Center in Minneapolis, MN, where she made a significant impact on the lives of children and their families as well as numerous friends, alumni and coffee shop enthusiasts.

Melissa's vibrant personality was characterized by her many interests and qualities. She was a dreamer, reader, knitter, stargazer, rambler, thinker, listener, wanderer, schemer, and believer. Her infectious warmth and genuine nature fostered countless meaningful relationships with both children and adults. Whether engaging with kids at family gatherings, conducting home visits as a social worker, inspiring campers and staff at Camp About Face, or enjoying card games at a coffee shop, Melissa's presence brought comfort and joy to those around her.

Melissa was preceded in death by her grandparents Keith LeBaron and Dolly and Paul Siemens. She is survived by her beloved grandmother, Joann LeBaron, her parents Brian (Kathy) LeBaron and Pamela (Thomas Voegeli) Siemens. Melissa also leaves behind her siblings Scott, Bradley, and Kevin LeBaron, Ben Colby, step-siblings Ceith and Katy Colby, Lea and Renee Voegeli, Emily (Cole) Duvall, Amanda (Brad) Albaugh, and Karla (Erv) Bitter. Aunts Linda LeBaron, Sue Gullickson and Sally (Al) Gray. She was cherished by numerous cousins, as well as six nieces and eight nephews, and best friends Brad Williams and Meghan Bleidorn.

One of Melissa's greatest joys in life was her involvement with Camp About Face at Bradford Woods, Indiana. This camp, an outreach program of Riley Children's Hospital of Indiana University, catered to individuals with craniofacial anomalies. Melissa spent most of her summers there, initially as a camper in her childhood, and later as a camp counselor, program staff member, and mentor. Through her dedicated service, she touched the lives of hundreds of children, parents, and staff, bringing encouragement and inspiration to all.

In memory of Melissa Joy LeBaron, donations can be made to support Camp About Face. Contributions can be made online through Indiana University's donation page at https://rileykids.org/ways-to-give/give-in-tribute or by mail to Riley Children's Foundation, Attn: Lara Priester, P.O. Box 3356, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Please include a note indicating that the donation is in honor of Mel and should be allocated to Camp About Face.

The Memorial service celebrating Mel's life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 503 W Lily Creek Road, Freeport, IL on Saturday June 10th at noon. Visitation precedes the service from 10am until time of service with a luncheon following at the church fellowship hall. Kathy Jo Taylor, Instructor at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, will preside over the service with a Eulogy delivered by Rev. Brian LeBaron. Cremation rites have been accorded with private family services for the committal at a later date.