Obituary of Melissa Ajavananda

Melissa Ajavananda, Rochester: July 19, 2008, Age 37 Loving mother of newborn, Devon Melissa Gersh and beloved wife of David Gersh, has passed suddenly. Melissa will be greatly missed by her parents, Carol & Vithya Ajavananda; her sisters, Maggie (Ken), Carolyn, Marilyn, Kimberly (Kerry) & Rebecca (E.J.); brother, Vithya Jr. (Christina); 4 nieces; 4 nephews; her mother & father-in-law, Michael & Janet Gersh; sister-in-law, Ellen (Archie); her adoring dogs, Montee, Lilly & Ditto; 2 horses, Ben & Saxon; and many devoted friends. Melissa, whom her mother called "special fours" was compassionate and driven in every facet of her life. She earned her Masters in Education from Nazareth College and taught for the last 8 years at School #46 in Rochester as a special education teacher. A tenacious competitor, both horses and dog agility competitions were her passions. She and her Jack Russell Terrier Montee ultimately earned the title of Agility Dog Champion ADCH and was an accomplished horseback rider in the Hunter discipline. Memorial calling, Thursday 3-7 PM at Falvo Funeral Home, 1295 NINE MILE POINT ROAD, WEBSTER (Rte 250, North of Plank). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Arthritis Foundation-Hope Through Heroes, 3300 Monroe Ave., Suite 319, Rochester, NY 14618, 585-264-1480 (please make sure to specify that the donation is in memory fo Melissa Ajavananda if you call or mail the donation or you can go to www.arthritis.org, click on donation link, click on the honor and memorial gifts link and search for Melissa by name to get her personalized page. A Memorial Service will be held in Melissa's honor at St. Margaret Mary Church in Irondequoit at a future date. Interment: Private