Stokes Creative Group, Inc. (Stokes), is deeply saddened to share that our colleague, Melissa Cruz, a Project Accountant with the firm, has passed away. Melissa was a kind, intelligent, and incredibly hard-working member of the Stokes family. Our condolences are with her entire family, especially her husband, Carlos, and her two young daughters, Destiny and Brooklyn. We were lucky to have her with us. She will be missed.
Melissa was always sweet, kind, efficient, and understanding — a blessing to everyone. My prayers are with her and her family.
Joanne Stokes, CEO & Founder
Melissa was a one-of-a-kind lady with a smile every day, even when she wasn’t feeling it! Melissa was so dedicated to our company that she even worked while receiving medical treatments and stayed connected to clients while in the hospital. I am sad at the loss of such a beautiful, kind soul.
Diane Konopka, President
Melissa always found time to work with our clients as well as our internal team. She was so thoughtful of others. Melissa had such grace. She was always smiling. She did not let the cancer stop her from enjoying every minute of life.
Barbara Zieger, General Manager and Chief Financial Officer
Melissa was a joy to work with! When I joined Stokes, Melissa was already fighting her battle against cancer, but you would never have known. She was so positive, kind, and calm. I found out that we both have two daughters and we shared stories of what a joy and challenge two girls can be. We also shared the same wedding anniversary, which I discovered when her husband Carlos brought her flowers to the office on my anniversary. I am grateful to have known Melissa.
Mimi Weaver, Financial Accountant
Melissa was a radiant, wonderful person and I liked her from the day we met. She was always so pleasant, helpful, kind, and very smart. I especially admired her work ethic and ability to multitask — all executed with a smile and positive, can-do attitude. May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.
Nicole Pace-Addeo, Public Outreach Manager
Melissa was so thoughtful and kind. Her first Christmas at Stokes she got me guinea pig fuzzy socks; I didn’t even know she knew I was a guinea pig owner. She just seemed to listen without actually having a conversation with you. We loved to talk about our shared love of Hocus Pocus and she was always talking about her girls. We will all miss her here at Stokes.
Maegan Konopka, Construction Services Department Leader
Melissa was always very sweet and cordial to me. She was generous with her time and helped me get acclimated with the company systems and workflows. There was never a question she couldn’t answer, and she made me feel very comfortable here. We will miss her greatly!
Bill Miele, NJ Team Leader — Marketing & Construction Services Department
Melissa was such a great part of our team. I will very much miss her upbeat attitude. She was always so cheerful, responsive, and accommodating. My sincere condolences to her family at this very sad time. May her memory be for a blessing.
Adrienne Zicklin Kanter, Public Outreach Manager
Melissa was one of the good ones. Her sweetness and consideration made days at work so much brighter. May she rest in peace and be forever remembered for her light and her love.
Josh Davison, Photographer/Videographer
It was a true pleasure working with Melissa. She always, always had a smile on her face and was so patient and kind. She will be greatly missed. I wish Melissa’s loved ones comfort and peace.
Kristina King, Florida Administrative Support Specialist
Melissa was such a kind and sweet person. I joined Stokes right before the 2021 holidays and even though we had just met, Melissa gave me a personalized Christmas present. It showed me how thoughtful she was to include me in the office exchange. I have such fond memories of her. I am so thankful to have met her.
Isabella Allinder, HR Administrative Assistant
To read Melissa’s full online obituary and find out more about her beautiful life: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/melissa-cruz-obituary?id=34769875
