MELISSA MARIE REID

OBITUARY, October 3, 2019

Born March 12, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, Melissa Marie Secord shared her childhood with a large family in Inglewood and Huntington Beach. She graduated in 1971 from Marina High School, and later that year met her lifelong husband, Barry Lee Reid. Melissa had been babysitting for Barry’s brother, Randy, when she learned he had a brother who also had two little girls, Anita and Gina, from his first wife. She became very fond of the girls, and she and Barry soon married in May, 1973, living in Fountain Valley for 46 years.

Their home was the scene of countless family gatherings and celebrations, and a secure environment for their three more young children, Lance, Crystal, and Barry Vince, all of whom attended the local public schools. Melissa was enthusiastic about their school activities, happily attending their many individual events. Their achievements made her a very proud mother many times over. As a homemaker Melissa liked to display the many pictures of her children and made sure their individual needs and interests would be met. She liked hosting their many friends who came to the house for parties and summer fun in the pool. Dozens of their school friends at a time could never be a problem for her.

The entire family was also able to travel together to Mexico and the Deep South, and made many shorter visits and tours around California. Dad did the driving and the lecturing, but mom took care of the food, treats, and potty breaks. Thankfully, there were no I-phones to detract from the scenery and new experiences, imagine that! Social dancing was always Melissa & Barry’s preference for having a good time. She and Barry went dancing before they were married, and continued on through the years whenever the opportunity arose. In later years their favorite dance venues began offering swing dancing, and Barry taught her all the moves he remembered as “fast dancing” in high school when Elvis Presley was truly the king of popular music. Together they founded the Orange County Swing Dance Club to promote this still popular dance form.

Despite Melissa’s many medical difficulties over the years, she never lost her joy and pleasure in following her children’s paths as they married, relocated from time to time, and gave her the nine grandchildren who became the light in her eyes whenever she could be with them. She was blessed in many ways and always knew she was safe and comfortable in her own home. Her leaving us to join those who went before came peacefully, with great love for all.