BETHEL – Melissa S. Sylvester, 36, of Main Street, Bethel, passed into the Lord’s hands on Saturday, Aug. 5, after a very long courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Lewiston on May 22, 1970, a daughter to Beverly A. and Michael D. Sylvester Sr. She graduated from Telstar Regional High School in Bethel in 1988 and New Bury College in Brookline, Mass., in 1998.

Melissa had many hobbies: cross stitching, reading, painting, animals and spending time with friends and relatives.

She enjoyed life. She dealt with everything life threw her way with a great positive attitude, always thinking of others before herself. Everyone who met her walked away with a new look on life because of that same outlook she had on life. She will always be remembered for her smile, quick wit and her thoughts about what she could do for others.

She is survived by her parents; brother, Mike and his wife, Jeanie; nieces, Courtney Lee, and Cassandra; nephew, Gabriel; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Maternal grandparents are Richard and Pat Kimball of East Bethel, and paternal grandmother, Beverly L. Sylvester, of Andover.

Melissa will be greatly missed by everyone who came into her life.