Melissa Lynn Modesto

Melissa Lynn Modesto passed peacefully with her family by her side Thursday, October 26, 2023 to her next great (heavenly) adventure. Melissa was born to Charles and Joan Collins on October 6, 1962 in Austin, Tx. She was big sister to Cristal Breckenridge and Kevin Collins. In her youth, she was into flying, spending time with her friends and horseback riding. 

Melissa was known for her humor and charisma. She was fearless and a thrill seeker. Her greatest achievement besides her growing family was being a pilot where she had no limits. Sky diving at 18 years old with her father as her audience, sealed her passion for the thrill of flying for the rest of her life. 

Melissa studied at Embry Riddle  Aeronautical University in Pensacola, Florida before enlisting in the US Army. She married Anthony Salles Modesto, Jr., on October 12, 1985 after meeting at Defense Language Institute while in the Army. Together they shared 38 years of marriage, and had two beautiful daughters, Monica and Elisa.

While raising a family, she continued her love for learning. Melissa studied at Western Iowa Tech, University of North Texas, UT South Western and Villanova university with a focus in medical technologies. All her education led her to a full-time career at Abbott Point of Care. Melissa loved the thrill of that career including the people she got to work with as an Implementation Specialist then later a Smart Team Project Manager for Abbott Diagnostics. 

Melissa’s biggest source of pride was her family. She loved her son-in-law, Clint Followell, and grandsons. Her favorite time of the day was snuggling with her grandsons in her king-sized bed. It was her anticipation to sky dive with each of her grandchildren when they turned 18 years old. She got to with her oldest, Brandon. 

In November of 2022, her health began to decline. Melissa’s motivation to endure was to see her youngest daughter, Elisa, marry Abhishek Anthati on November 18, 2023. She was most excited to welcome another son-in-law to the family. 

Knowing her time was limited, her family shifted gears to gift her with some of her bucket list items. She loved to travel, fly and girl time with her daughters. Her highlight was flying a L39 Albatros fighter jet in New Mexico with her family watching her take to the skies. Other highlights included a hot air balloon flight, spa days with her daughters, a girl’s trip to Greece and Jeep trips with her husband and grandsons. 

At the core of Melissa Modesto was adventure. Although time was short, she was anticipating her next adventure in heaven with her Savior and other beloved family members who beat her there. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Brandon Followell on August 20, 2023, her parents, Charles and Joan Collins, and nephew, Collin Breckenridge. 

Surviving with her legacy include her husband, Anthony Modesto; daughters, Monica and husband, Clint Followell, and Elisa Modesto and soon-to-be husband, Abhi Anthati; grandsons, David and Asher Followell; and chihuahua-babies, Nuggles, Peanut and Nutter. 

She will be greatly missed but will also be living a great adventure, flying high. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a memoriam be given to an education fund for Melissa’s grandchildren, present and future. More details to follow. 

Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Eastridge Baptist Church of Red Oak, Texas, Wednesday, November 1st from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM. A Celebration of Melissa’s Life will begin at 12:30 PM with Reverend Clint Followell presiding.  A Graveside Service will be conducted at Pleasant Grove Cemetery of Elgin, Thursday, November 2nd at 11:00 AM.