Melissa (Missy) Piatek

Melissa (Missy) Lynn Piatek was a loving and devoted mother. She loved life and loved people, making the most of each day she was given. She created a beautiful history that will be held dear to the hearts of those she loved.

Born on September 2,1966, Missy was the daughter of Gerald and Theresa Fauser. Right from the start she loved being a tom boy but also had a feminine side. Missy grew up enjoying motorcycles, including dirt bikes, as well as a love for animals, and wildlife.She was known to bring home stray animals and convince her mother to keep them, and would later try to save motherless bunnies, put old Christmas trees up to protect the birds in the wintertime at her heated bird bath, and care for her pond turtles.

Missy also enjoyed music and enjoyed playing her guitar and singing, which at one time included a trio that sang at churches and weddings called "Harmony." Her singing voice was always beautiful. She also enjoyed helping others as a massage therapist in the Hamilton and Holland area. Her primary love, however, was for her 11 year old daughter, Kirsten.

Missy was known for her truly infectious laugh and,because of this, was always easy to pick out of a crowd. She was employed for over 18 years at Johnson Controls in Product Developement, where she made many friends and was well respected among her co-workers .She was a prototype soft trim specialist with impeccable craftsmanship and she took tremendous pride in her work.

Melissa however struggled with bi-polar depression ever since the death of her mother, and on May 30,2011 she lost her battle.

She will be sadly missed by the many people who loved her.

Besides her daughter Kirsten, she is survived by her ex-husband, Brian (Teresa) Piatek of Vriesland, Mi., brothers and sisters; Mark Fauser of Jackson, Mi., Daniel Fauser of Holland and Nancy Fauser of Holland. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including Alex Fauser and special friends Eric Burmeister of Hamilton and Heidi Taulbee of Ann Arbor, Mi.

Funeral services will be held Monday 11:00 am at Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 188 West 32nd st. Cremation will take place following the service.

Visitation is scheduled Sunday 2-5 pm at the chapel.

Memorial gifts may be given in Melissa's name to: Hospice of Holland.

Arrangements are by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes.

Please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution.