Melissa Lynn Lorkowski-Venne, 45, of Grand Island, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 25, 2022. Born in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of Michael Lorkowski and Susan (Walter) (late Gary) Purpora.

Melissa was raised in Lancaster, NY, where she graduated from Lancaster High School in 1995. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Education from Buffalo State College. On September 22, 2012 she married her husband, John Venne II at St. Michael's Church in Buffalo.

Melissa was a longtime elementary school teacher for the Buffalo Public Schools until her illness. Above all, Melissa centered her life around her beloved children who will miss her dearly.

In addition to her husband and parents, Melissa is survived by her two children, Melania and Jaden Venne; her siblings, Melanie (Kevin) Meller and Jessie Lorkowski; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Cheryl and John Venne, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 28 from 4 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Melissa's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY. Please assemble at church. Interment will follow in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.