1969-2026
Melissa Rae Fedigan, 56, of Punxsutawney, PA, was called to the Lord from her home surrounded by family after a two-year battle with appendiceal cancer on June 30th, 2026.
Born on October 13th, 1969, in Punxsutawney, PA, she was the daughter of Ann (Harrold) and the late Michael McIntyre. Melissa was a devoted wife, mother, Mimi, aunt, sister, godmother, teacher, and friend.
On January 22, 1993, Melissa married her high school sweetheart, Tom Fedigan, who survives her. Their 33-year marriage was built on a foundation of enduring love for one another and was evident to all who knew them. They were inseparable companions, whether it be spending time together on the porch or by the pool, listening to Pearl Jam, or traveling to see their kids. Their partnership stood as a model of love and devotion for their children and their families.
Melissa was the proud mother of two sons, Alex Fedigan of Stuttgart, Germany, and Andy Fedigan of Denver, CO, and a daughter, Heather (Megan) Centineo, of Milton, DE. She is also survived by her beloved grandson, Finnley Centineo.
Melissa was also deeply connected to her extended family, most especially her little sister, Molly (Gary) Neal of Port Matilda, PA, and dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her aunt, Naomi Harrold, and godson, Levi Maciejewski.
Melissa graduated from Punxsutawney High School with the class of 1988, where she played volleyball and the bass clarinet. She attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania where she studied English Education. She returned to Punxsutawney High School to begin her teaching career in 1993. Throughout her 27-year teaching career which spanned until 2020, Melissa taught all levels of students from elementary through high school. She was highly regarded by hundreds, if not thousands, of students for her caring nature and desire to see everyone succeed. She continued her dedication to education at Instructure until her passing, working to bring innovative educational technology to students and schools across the United States.
Her love for her husband, children, and their families knew no bounds. She knew just the right time to be goofy and silly with an infectious laugh, when to lend an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on, and when to be stubborn and not take no for an answer. Melissa loved reading, writing, crafting, cooking, gardening, and vacations in the Outer Banks with family and friends. Her greatest joy though, was watching her children grow up, from all their sporting events, to going to school and getting an education, and then the adventures they made around the world.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Melissa became a beacon of hope and light for hundreds of others going through their own battles. She frequently posted her updates and experiences online, sharing all of her challenges and setbacks with an unrelenting positivity in hopes of inspiring others to not let their disease take away the joy and blessings of life.
Melissa and her family were immensely grateful for the tender kindness and care from the women of her hospice team.
A true exemplar of her faith, Melissa leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will be carried on by family and friends and everyone in her community that she has impacted. She will be missed more than words can describe.
There will be a public viewing from 12 to 6 p.m., on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Deeley Funeral Home in Punxsutawney.
Longtime colleague, neighbor, and friend, Andrew Tygert, will officiate a private family service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Appendix Cancer Research Foundation by going online to https://acpmp.org/get-involved/donate/ or locally to Lisa’s Ladybugs, PO Box 692, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.
