Melissa Anne Lashbrook

Melissa Anne Lashbrook, 41, of Park Ridge, IL passed away peacefully on February 7, 2024. She was born on July 9, 1982 in Arlington Heights, IL to Bob and Nancy Lashbrook.

Melissa is survived by her seven year old son, Brooks Popp and his father, Dan Popp; mother, Nancy Lashbrook; father Bob (Katie) Lashbrook; siblings, Marc (Liz) Lashbrook, Courtney (PJ) Finigan, and Johnny Lashbrook; and nieces and nephews, Emily, Charlie, Maren, Turner, and Caroline. Melissa was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Peter RT Smith and Dorothy Smith (nee Bridgen); paternal grandparents, Bartlett Lashbrook and Marguerite Lashbrook (nee Steinke).

Melissa grew up in Barrington, Crystal Lake, and Palatine, IL. She graduated from Palatine High School in 2000, Columbia College Chicago in 2005, and the Harper College Nursing Program in 2012. Melissa was a lifelong learner. Although Melissa was employed by many companies through her teens, twenties, thirties, and forties, there as a common thread in each of her jobs, she was always caring for and taking care of people. Becoming an RN was truly her passion as she tended to and met the needs of her patients and their families.

Melissa loved life and lived it well! Her relationships with family, friends, and co-workers were extremely important to her! She treasured family, friend, and colleague get-togethers and vacations. No matter what she was doing or who she was with Melissa was enjoying herself and the people surrounding her. The most important person in Melissa’s life was her son Brooks! They had a very special and deep bond that will never be broken. She fought her cancer with every drug and treatment available and endured so much so she could be with him. Best Mommy Ever!

Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road. Barrington, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Melissa's name to: Cancer Wellness Center, 215 Revere Dr. Northbrook, IL. 60062 cancerwellness.org/ways-to-donate , or The Illinois Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, 18W140 Butterfield Road, Suite 1120, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 il-hpco.org/about-us/donate/