It is with deep sympathy and sorrow that we announce the passing of Mellisa Niketa Pires on November 13, 2016, at 24 years of age with family by her side.  Mellisa fought a courageous battle with a rare cancer described as inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors.

Mellisa was born in Linden, Guyana to Dianne Valz and Wesley McIntyre.  She is predeceased by her grandparents Herbert and Daisy McIntyre and survived by her step parents, Marlon Valz and Yvonne McIntyre;  siblings, Marlon Valz Jr., Maria Valz, Michael Valz, and Chauncee McIntyre; grandparents  Veronica Pires, Joseph Cozier, Gail Valz, Wahid Hassan, and Deborah Smith; as well as a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Upon graduating from The St. Maarten Academy with honors, Mellisa matriculated at the University of St. Maarten. She also began working at the Sr. Regina Primary School as a Teacher's Assistant and Youth Leader where she specialized in teaching arts and crafts.

Although naturally creative, Mellisa had decided to pursue a career in nursing and was scheduled to start Lone Star College this fall. Mellisa was a beautiful young lady – inside and out. She had an amazing smile that even as she was leaving us continued to inspire joy and love.