Melissa was the first grandchild for Busia Golan. With her birth, a tradition of gathering at Busia and Aunt Bernadette’s house in Indiana for Christmas and sharing Polish traditions began. Our brother Joe and his growing family would drive from Texas, Aunt Charlotte would fly from Colorado, and Uncle Joe and Aunt Marge would fly from California. Christmas Eve was the main event, when we shared a “ Wigilia” meal of meatless pierogis and fish. Uncle Joe would don the Santa suit and show up at the door with a sack of presents for Melissa, Katie and Joey. Melissa, being the oldest grandchild, was the first to give Santa the suspicious eye of disbelief. It was certainly fun while it lasted! As the Golan kids grew, the get togethers weren’t always at Christmas, but were always memorable. We all love you Melissa and we miss you.

– Aunt Bernadette, Aunt Charlotte, Aunt Marge, Uncle Joe, and cousins Johnny & Jenna