Ms. Melissa Dawn (Kelley) McLaren

Ms. Melissa Dawn McLaren, 49, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 9:00 p.m., September 26, 2021, at Marigold Health Care Center in Galesburg.

Melissa started her journey on August 16, 1972, in Galesburg, as the daughter of Tellie Rodger and Mary Louise (Woodside) Kelley.

She is survived by her mother, Mary, of Galesburg, three sons, Shawn McLaren, Daniel McLaren, both of Galesburg, Jermane McLaren, who is currently serving in the military, her two daughters, McKinzey McLaren, of Galesburg, and Raven McLaren of Peoria, Illinois, and her fiancé, Rich Burgus of Galesburg.  She is also survived by her brother, Tellie Rodger (and Jennifer) Kelley, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and her three beautiful grandchildren, Algenon, Baby J., and Caleb.

Melissa graduated from Galesburg in 1990 and started her working life as a cashier at McDonalds for several years.  Along the way, she became a foster parent to fifteen children and later decided to adopt five as her own.  During her free time, she spent as much time as she could with her children but also enjoyed collecting owls.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 1, 2021 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel in Galesburg.  Cremation will be accorded following the visitation.  Memorial contributions in Melissa’s memory may be made out to the Full Gospel Church.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com

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