Melissa J. Greeley

PORTLAND, ME – Melissa Jean Greeley, 45, of Portland passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2026. Melissa was born in Portland, Maine, on April 12, 1980, the daughter of Andrew M. Greeley and the late Eileen Fontaine.

Growing up in the West End and attending Portland schools, she was a familiar, smiling face in the neighborhood she loved so much. Melissa was the life of the party from the very start. Her childhood was defined by music, dance parties, and sleepovers filled with gossip and games of M.A.S.H. She was famous for spending hours perfecting her hair and never went without her trusty Aquanet. Her friends fondly remember the walks to King Middle School, playing “gas or water” on the sewage posts along the way, a game she later taught her daughters. She lived for the weekends, finding a new outfit for roller skating with her friends and family.

Melissa was a creative soul who found peace in the quiet moments of crafting, coloring, and losing herself in a romance novel. She was a true movie buff who never grew tired of Jerry Maguire. She was always ready to win a round of Phase 10 or Skip-Bo. She walked through life with a deep pride in her Irish heritage and a fierce love for her family. Melissa also shared a deep love for jewelry, to her, it was more than just an accessory. It was a sparkling connection to her late mother and grandmother, carrying on a tradition they had passed down to her.

Melissa’s life had its share of hard chapters as she faced a long battle with substance abuse. Even in the face of her most difficult days, she was a woman who was always laughing and smiling. She shared this gift generously with everyone she met, up until her very last breath.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She took immense pride in being a mother, and her role as “Mimi” brought a special sparkle to her eyes. She is survived by her father, Andrew M. Greeley of Biddeford; her daughters, Quaneysha Greeley of Lewiston and Dalycia Jade Greeley of Portland; and her three cherished grandchildren, Hector, Acacia, and Milani.

She also leaves behind her sister, Danielle Greeley of Alexandria, VA; her brother, Andrew Greeley Jr. and his wife Chrisanna of South Portland; and a large, loving circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland, ME. A celebration of life will follow at 12 p.m. at the VFW – 687 Forest Ave, Portland, ME. Arrangements are under the direction of the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Avenue, Portland.