Melissa M. "Missy" (Woodard) Moran

Waltham – It's been said that the only thing tougher than a hockey player is his Mom.

No one's proven that to be truer than Missy Moran who fought the cancer diagnosis she was handed eighteen months ago with courage, determination and grace . . . and love, care and concern for her family . . . right to the end.

She was 44 when the disease finally took her on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the Parlin Hospice House in Wayland.

Melissa M. "Missy" (Woodard) Moran was born on October 31, 1970 in Waltham, a daughter of the late Richard and Jeannette (Willey) Woodard, and was a lifelong resident. Following her graduation from Waltham High School she worked for a number of years at National Cash Register in Newton before becoming a teacher at Waltham's 123 Day School, a job she loved, and where the kids in her care were a joy to welcome every day.

In 1996 Missy married the love of her life, Robert E. Moran, Jr., and soon the couple welcomed sons Matthew and Justin into the family. Her life was now complete. During her boys growing up years she loved everything about being their Mom. She got involved in their schools and in their sports and made sure that they felt loved every day.

Missy belonged to the PTO at the Plympton School and at Kennedy Middle School and loved being a hockey mom who for years was a 'Team Mom' on her boys Waltham Youth Hockey squads. The family not only spent many chilly days at the rink but created many happy memories during the summer months boating on Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire.

In addition to her husband of nineteen years, Bob, and her sons, Matthew and Justin, Missy leaves her siblings, Stephen Bullis of North Andover, Laurie Cheney and her husband, Mike, Norma Woodard, Terry Corr, Milton Woodard and his wife, Jodi, Mike Bullis, all of Vermont, Richard Woodard and his wife, Renee, of Natick and Ken Bullis of Virginia; her father-in-law, Robert Moran, and his wife, Carol, of Plum Island; her sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Tom Bourque of Waltham and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and her beloved dog, Sophie.

Missy was also the daughter-in-law of the late Mary Moran.

Family and friends will honor and remember Missy's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, September 23rd from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham where her Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to Waltham Youth Hockey – Missy Moran Fund – P.O. Box 540654, Waltham, MA 02454.