Melissa Greist

Melissa L. Greist

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Melissa Greist, age 48, of Watkins Glen, NY, on Thursday, February 2, 2023. She was born on August 22, 1974, in Pottstown, PA.

Melissa moved to NYC in 1993, after graduating high school to start a loving journey with her high school sweetheart, Alva. They lived together in NYC for 3 years and in 1995, got married and started a family with their first-born son and daughter soon to follow. Melissa will be fondly remembered for her love of nature and botanicals. She enjoyed tending her gardens and foraging for flowers and herbs, using their ingredients for making candles, soaps, and home remedies. She had a creative mind when it came to arts and crafts, which she used to make gifts and decorate her home. In her life, she had 3 huskies, Rahura, Sabo, and Kuala. She cared and loved her pets like they were her children. She always loved going out and experiencing new things. She was a social butterfly, touching many lives. Most importantly, she was a very caring person for family and friends. She was quick to be there for anyone when they were in need.

Melissa is survived by her husband Alva Greist, Sr; son and daughter-in-law, Alva Jr. and wife Samantha of Rock Stream; daughter Rachael Greist of Watkins Glen, grandson Carson Alva Greist; mother and step-father, Barbara and Archie Williard of Pennsylvania; sisters and brothers-in-law, Stephanie and Dennis Hayes of Pennsylvania; and Kelly and Adam Greist of Corning; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph Greist and Omawati “Fanny” Persaud of Georgia, and mother-in-law Patricia Greist of Corning.

She was predeceased by her father Donald Lapish. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday (Feb 11) from 5pm-7pm at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4^th St., Watkins Glen. A funeral service will immediately follow at 7:00pm at the funeral home, with Deacon Tom Ruda officiating. Melissa will be cremated and return home to her family, where they will fashion a garden in her memory.

Memorial donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.