Published in The Burlington Free Press on October 27, 2009

BURLINGTON - Melissa Marie (Zeno) Parker, 35, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009.

She was born in Burlington on July 30, 1974, "one of daddy's little girls" to Donald A. Sr. and Cheryl A. (Carlin) Zeno. After her mother's death in 1987, she became the step-daughter of Marianne Chamberlain.

Mel was the most giving, helpful, and selfless person you could have the pleasure of meeting. She never asked anything back, even up to her last gift of being an organ/tissue donor to help others. She was a notary public and an amazing community member. She was a devoted Mom to her three kids, and a loving daughter and sister. She became involved as a food service employee at Lawrence Barnes School to be close to her children. She was known as the "Lunch Lady" and there was not a child Mel did not know. Mel was the Barnes P.T.O President and former treasurer having been called "the Queen of Fundraising." She fought so hard for Barnes to stay open for years and was a strong advocate for the neighborhood. She was the heart and soul of Central City Little League and worked tirelessly in the snack bar. Mel will be greatly missed by all. GO RED SOX!

She is survived by her husband of nearly 10 years, Allen S. Parker; three children, Jordan Zeno, Dusty Gonyea, and Glenna Parker all of Burlington; her father and step-mother, Donald Zeno Sr., and Marianne Chamberlain of Essex Junction; her siblings, Donald Zeno Jr of Burlington, Angela Marie Zeno of Essex Junction, James Chamberlain of Minnesota, Michael Chamberlain of St. Albans, and Kimberly Chamberlain of Essex Junction; her special friend, Kelly Mailanese; her nieces and nephews, Ashley, Jasmine, Cameron, Cassie, Maia, and M.J. among several others and several aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends.

Along with her mother, she was predeceased by her grandparents, Nana and Papa Zeno and her grandfather, Richard Porier.

Interment following in Fair View Cemetery, Essex Junction.