OBITUARY: Melissa Jean Durfee, 51

Below is an obituary from Brewitt Funeral Home:

EPPING, NH — Melissa Jean Durfee, 51, passed away on October 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on June 19, 1974, in Lynn, MA, daughter of the late Simone Sclafani and Debra J. (Palumbo) Sclafani.

Melissa grew up in Everett, MA, and graduated from Everett High School, Class of 1992. She earned her certificate in medical billing and was employed with Cataldo Ambulance Service in Somerville, MA. It was through her work there that she was introduced to Patrick Durfee by his sister. Melissa and Patrick married on October 9, 2011, and first made their home in Wilmington, MA, before settling in Deerfield, NH, in 2017.

After the birth of their daughter, Emma, Melissa devoted herself fully to her family and home. She was a member of St. Joseph Church in Epping, NH, where she found strength and comfort in her faith.

Melissa’s favorite pastimes included attending country music concerts, cooking, and relaxing at home watching her favorite shows—especially Michael Myers movies, The Chosen, and crime documentaries. Melissa loves decorating her home for every holiday.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Simone “Sammy” Sclafani Jr. She is loved and will be missed by her loving husband, Patrick M. Durfee; daughter, Emma Durfee; step-daughter, Ashley Durfee; step-son, Joffre Durfee; sister, Jessica Sclafani and her significant other Matt; nieces, Harper, Caleigh, and Chloe; and her aunts, Linda Crosby and her husband Charles, Joann Pace and her husband William, Lisa Sclafani-Charbonneau and her husband Brian; and her uncle Anthony Sclafani and his wife Sarah.

Melissa was also loved and will be missed by her in-laws Marie Colella and her husband David, Daniel Durfee and his wife Tracy, Frederick Durfee and his wife Melissa; nieces Kylie and Hanna; nephews Mason, Nicolas, Daniel Jr., Jon and Evan. Also, by many cousins and friends.

Calling hours were held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant Street, Epping, NH. A Memorial Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, 200 Pleasant Street, Epping, NH. Interment will take place in Old Center Cemetery, Deerfield, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Melissa’s memory to Pet Tails Rescue PO Box 86 Northwood NH 03261 or online at pettailsrescue.org

For more information, please visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com.

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