A day in the life of freelance writer Melissa Renahan was not ordinary by any means. One minute she would interview actors Ricky Schroder or Tom Skerritt, and the next she was on the phone with World War II veteran Lt. Col. Richard "Ken" Wheeler, who was shot down over German territory. If you were lucky, she would post a dinner menu on her food blog, that was delicious enough to wow any food critic, and easy enough to make for dinner that night.

Her byline enriched our lives, bringing countless stories to life that would never have been told otherwise. Melissa passed away Oct. 14 at the age of 36 in Tampa, Florida. She is survived by her beloved husband, United States Army Major Tim Renahan, and parents Michael and Carole Poremba.

Born in Rockaway Township, New Jersey, Oct. 7, 1978, Melissa graduated from Loyola University with a B.A. in Communications, and became an accomplished writer for both print and online publications across the United States, including the Northwest Airlifter and Ranger newspapers, The Home Town Clipper newspaper, and online publications NorthwestMilitary.com and South Puget Sound News.

But her work was not limited to the Puget Sound area. She founded a monthly community newspaper - the Clay Insider - in Clay, New York. She wrote for the Leavenworth Times and Leavenworth Lamp in Kansas, Patch.com, Sargeslist.com, MyCity Eats, MyCityBeauty and NextGenMilspouse.com.

There wasn't a topic that was off limits to Melissa. She authored articles about same sex military couples, informed readers about service member suicide rates, and penned career advice to PCSing military spouses. She wrote about the wear blue cause, in turn helping military families and civilians alike cope with the loss of loved ones. Her articles earned her national recognition as an expert on military and family topics, and several local journalism awards.

Melissa was authentic, sarcastic and terribly fabulous ... as were her plum chutney, risotto, and truffle roasted potatoes. She loved autumn, a good book, cute shoes, strong coffee and a great workout. Then there was football. She was a die-hard Redskins fan and the commissioner of two fantasy leagues. She was happiest with the love of her life, Tim, and their puppies, Leroy and Lola. Melissa lived life to the fullest, and her friends, colleagues, and family cherished and loved her dearly.

Funeral services for Melissa will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 in Florham Park, New Jersey, at Leonardis Memorial Home. If you would like to send flowers, please contact the Memorial Home or Hanover Floral in East Hanover, New Jersey.

Melissa loved her friends for who they are and what they were passionate about. If you would like to make a donation to a charitable organization of your choice in her memory, the family encourages you to do so.