Melissa Gayle Scheer Marier, lovingly known as “Missy” and “Mis” to her family and close friends, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was 57 years old. Her passing marks the end of an 11-year journey with breast cancer and leptomeningeal disease, which she faced with incredible courage and perseverance.

Born on April 12,1968, in Edina, Minnesota, Mis grew up in Burnsville, Minnesota. Her life was defined by fierce love, resilience, and deep devotion.

Mis graduated from Burnsville High School. She began her studies at St. Olaf College and later earned her degree from the University of Phoenix, which supported her work in IT programming. She helped launch and grow two businesses and built a successful career in IT, serving in leadership roles at SUPERVALU Corporation and the University of St. Thomas.

In addition to her professional achievements, Mis was a devoted mother to her daughter, Maddie. Her greatest joy was Maddie, and she was committed to ensuring she felt loved, secure, and supported every day. She was deeply grateful for the love and support of two dedicated caregivers, several dear friends, and family, all of whom were a meaningful part of her and Maddie’s lives.

For over a decade, Mis lived with cancer on her own terms, never allowing it to define her life. She carried herself with dignity and strength, rarely complaining and always focusing her energy on creating cherished memories with Maddie and loved ones. Her ability to find joy in everyday life, despite her diagnosis, was a testament to her beautiful spirit. Mis held a lifelong passion for fitness and technology, and loved good food and wine, travel, music, and dance parties with Maddie. She loved to be silly and make people laugh, and her warm, beautiful smile—complete with perfect teeth—lit up every room she entered. She was proud to have traveled to five continents and valued deep friendships, sharing many meaningful experiences with those she loved.

Above all, she was a devoted mother, a loving daughter and sister, and a loyal friend.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Maddie; her parents, Gayle and Marlon; her sisters, Liz (Patrick) and Amy (Mark); her nephews and nieces; her aunts and uncles; 13 cousins; Maddie’s father, Keven; Maddie’s paternal grandparents, Brian and Linda; and many dear friends—all of whom were inspired by her strength and tenacity.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the loving staff and volunteers at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, the compassionate team at Hope4Cancer in Cancun, and to all caregivers and medical professionals who supported her care over the past 11 years.

A celebration of her life will be held on April 24 at 11:00 AM at St. James Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN. A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Peace Hospice Residence in St. Paul, the Down Syndrome Association of MN, or the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation. Though she passed too soon, Mis showed us all how to live with courage and love. Her passing leaves a profound void in our hearts, but her legacy of love, resilience, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her.