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Melissa A McMahon of Westfield, NY passed away peacefully at home, Sunday, November 8, 2026 after a long illness. She was 60 years of age. Born in Silver Creek NY and raised in North Collins, she was the daughter of Joanne Lauber and the late George Lauber.
Melissa loved camping, traveling and organizing social events for family and friends. She was an amazing mother to Amanda, providing the special care and love Amanda needed. She, and husband John, built a wonderful life together, finding joy from simply sitting on their front porch or just being with family or friends.
Melissa was a long-time resident of Fredonia before moving to Westfield in 2017. She received her BS in Health Services Administration from SUNY Fredonia and earned her MSW from Franklin University.
Melissa enjoyed a career in Social Services at ECC North Occupational Therapy Associates, Chautauqua County DHHS, Gustavus Adolphus Child & Family as director of Quality & Evaluation, returning to CCDHHS as Director of Certification until her retirement in 2025.
Melissa was preceded in death by her former husband, Robert Gehling in 2014. In addition to her mother, Joanne, she is survived her loving husband, John S McMahon, daughter, Amanda Emke, stepdaughters Kristine (Bill) Matteson and Jennifer (Joseph) Lascola, stepson Jason (Nicole) McMahon, grandchildren Kelsey Gehling, Joseph and Cameron Lascola; brothers and sisters, Doreen (David) West, Debra Rudy, Russell Lauber, Randall (Melaine) Lauber, John Lauber, David (Lisa) Lauber, Daryle (Debbie) Lauber and Crista Lauber (David Gaskin); many cousins, in-laws and life-long friends. Melissa, “Missy,” was the “Cool Aunt” to many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the FANTAUZZI FUNERAL HOME, 82 East Main Street Fredonia NY on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 3 to 6 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM Saturday, November 14, 2026 at St. Dominic RC Church, 15 Union St Westfield NY. Burial will be private at St. James Cemetery in Westfield NY.
The family asks that any donations be made to the Roswell Park Foundation, or Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation in Melissa’s honor.