Melissa Ann Contreras-Williams

One of the things those who knew Melissa Contreras-Williams will remember about her most was the unwavering dedication she gave to each and every task at hand. Whether it was serving the customers in her community or raising her children, Melissa poured her heart and soul into those she treasured. With what would seem to be endless energy, she went about her days while carrying herself with strength, graciousness, and sacrificial love. Melissa was known to have a mind of her own, yet laced her every thought, word, and deed with her sweet and tender touch.

The seventies were a turbulent decade in America in many ways. The anti-war movement was highly visible on college and university campuses while the Vietnam War continued to divide the country, and Roe versus Wade legalized abortion. The culture scene was alive and well with popular fiction works by Stephen King and trends such as mood rings and lava lamps that captured the minds of children and adults alike. It was on October 3, 1979, that Jorge and Rosa (Rios) Contreras welcomed the birth of their daughter, Melissa Ann, in Kankakee, Illinois. Melissa was one of three children in her family and attended local schools. She graduated from Herscher High School in 1997 and was ready to pursue her aspirations in the beauty industry.

In order to make her dreams into a reality, Melissa attended the Chicago School of Massage Therapy from which she graduated in 2004, marking the beginning chapter in a successful career. Melissa became the owner of Wisteria Day Spa in Bourbonnais and the Wisteria Salon & Day Spa in Manteno, both located within Kankakee. She was the hardest working woman her family has ever known, and she fully committed herself to running her businesses. Not only was Melissa a successful businesswoman, but she was also a certified nail technician. The clients she served were so much more than just appointments on her schedule, they were also her friends – even her life in many ways. Melissa found such great fulfillment in the relationships they shared, and her clients loved her as well.

Although her career was an important cornerstone in her life, there was much more to life for Melissa, too. She was equally devoted to her family, a loving wife and a devoted mother. On July 4, 2009, Melissa married her sweetheart, Sammy Williams, at the Quality Inn in Bradley. Together they were blessed with four children: Lincoln A.L. Williams, Samuel Javier Williams, and Samantha Marie McCue, all of Kankakee, as well as step-daughter Jasmine M. Arizbal of Odenton, Maryland. Melissa did everything she could for her children and always made sure they knew that they were unconditionally loved in their own unique way.

When she was able to enjoy some time off, there were a variety of activities that Melissa pursued. She enjoyed shopping and had a love for anything and everything Coach. Melissa was a dedicated Chicago Cubs fan and played softball with the River Road leagues in Kankakee. She also enjoyed playing bean bags, Texas hold ‘em, board games, and poker, too.

No matter what she was doing, Melissa Ann Contreras-Williams colored the world with the vibrant facets of her personality in so many ways. She was kind and tender-hearted toward all those placed in her path and never thought twice about sacrificing her own needs to serve another. Melissa was a hard-working woman who cherished the family she was blessed with and never stopped showing them just how deeply they were loved. She enjoyed many things throughout her life as she realized that life is not so much about where we end up, but rather it is in the joy we find along the way. With what would seem to be so many years in front of her, Melissa’s sweet and kind voice was silenced much too soon. She will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Melissa Ann Contreras-Williams died on February 5, 2010, at Riverside Medical Center. Melissa’s family includes her husband, Sammy Williams; four children, Lincoln A.L. Williams, Samuel Javier Williams, Samantha Marie McCue all of Kankakee and a step daughter Jasmine M. Arizbal of Odenton, MD; her parents of Kankakee; sister, Christine Contreras of Chicago; brother, Jorge A. Contreras Jr. of Kankakee; niece, Olivia Rae Contreras of Kankakee; mother-in-law, Barbara Williams of St. Anne; sister-in-law, Pamela (Terence) Autman of St. Anne; sister-in-law, Tina Williams of St. Anne, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Melissa was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Sammy Davis. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Kankakee. Rev. Hank Roso will officiate. Visit with Melissa’s family and friends on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at the Kankakee Chapel of Schreffler Funeral Homes from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial donation to the charity of the family’s choosing.