THOMASTON- It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Melissa Ruth (Johnson) Mancini, age 77, of Thomaston, shares the news of her peaceful passing on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, surrounded by her loving family after an extended illness. She was the beloved wife of Nicola “Nick” Mancini Sr., to whom she was married for 55 wonderful years.

Melissa was born on December 6, 1948, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the beloved daughter of the late Philip and Edith (Morton) Johnson. She was a proud graduate of Thomaston High School and attended Post University. For more than 20 years, Melissa devoted herself to her work as a hairdresser, where her artistic touch and gentle spirit brought not only beauty, but comfort and joy to all who sat in her chair. She had a special love for animals, showing kindness to every creature she encountered, and found great peace in nature as an active member of the Goshen Garden Club and enjoyed reading mystery novels. Melissa treasured time spent with family and friends, especially the simple pleasures of gathering around the table for a game of cards, where laughter and companionship were always abundant. A woman of deep and abiding faith, she was a devoted parishioner of Saint Mary Magdalen Church, drawing strength and grace from her relationship with God. Throughout her 35-year battle with multiple sclerosis, Melissa faced each day with remarkable courage and quiet resilience. Her strength was an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered, her spirit living on in the many lives she so gently and profoundly touched. Our family thanks you Mom, for every prayer you uttered for us, for the many sacrifices you made for us, for the thousands of hugs you shared with us and the unending love you instilled in all of us. We grew up watching our mother face every challenge life could have thrown at her. We are sure that there were nights that she cried herself to sleep, but every morning she rose to give her all to raise us. We don’t know how to be weak because we were raised by the strongest woman we know.

Left to honor her legacy and cherish her memory besides her husband Nicola, are her children; Nicola “Nick” (Roseann) Mancini Jr. and Paula (Jeff) Zemaitis. Nick and Melissa were blessed with 5 devoted grandchildren; Olivia (Ryan) Keefe, Talia Mancini, Cyrena Zemaitis, Francesca Mancini, and Cecily Zemaitis, and one great-granddaughter Mila Rose Keefe. She also leaves her siblings; Faith Brooks, and Lynette (David) Giardina, along with several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Mancini will be held on Wednesday, April 22, at 10:00 a.m., when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Disciples Parish, Saint Mary Magdalen Church, 14 Buckingham Street, Oakville. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Relatives and friends may visit with the Mancini family on Tuesday, April 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06705. To honor Melissa's memory and in lieu of flowers, donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org) would be greatly appreciated by her family. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Melissa to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts.