Melissa (McInerney) LaCava

DOUGLAS – Melissa LaCava (McInerney), 46, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, at Mass General Brigham and Women's Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Melissa is survived by her devoted partner and husband of 19 years, Steven LaCava; her beloved daughter, Victoria Robbins (Rondeau) and her husband, Mitchell, of Millbury; her cherished son, Anthony LaCava; her loving parents, Kevin McInerney and Catherine McInerney (Allard) of Millbury; her sister, Angela McInerney and daughter Mia of Millbury; and her three treasured grandchildren, Jackson, Delaney, and Catherine, who brought endless joy to her life.

A graduate of Blackstone Valley Technical High School class of 1998, Melissa studied Culinary Arts before discovering her passion for healthcare. She continued her education at the New England Dental School, becoming a dental assistant before pursuing nursing. Melissa dedicated her career to caring for others, serving as a nurse at St. Camillus Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Northbridge and later at Reliant Medical Group in Shrewsbury. Whether caring for patients or comforting families, she approached every interaction with compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication.

Above all else, Melissa will be remembered for the way she loved. She was fiercely loyal, incredibly generous, and always willing to help someone in need. She had a heart of gold, a quick wit, and a personality that could light up any room.

Melissa was also famous for being a "straight shooter." If you asked for her opinion, you got it—whether you were ready to hear it or not. She never sugarcoated the truth, never pretended to be someone she wasn't, and never worried about telling it like it was. While her honesty could catch you off guard, it was one of the qualities people admired most about her. You always knew exactly where you stood with Melissa, and her authenticity, humor, and unapologetic honesty made her unforgettable. She was as genuine as they come, and the world could use a few more people like her.

Despite the challenges she faced, Melissa met them with remarkable courage and resilience. She leaves behind countless memories, stories, laughter, and a legacy of kindness that will continue to live on through everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

In accordance with Melissa's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate her life on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Dudley-Gendron American Legion Post, 156 Boston Road, Sutton, Massachusetts. Food will be provided, and all are invited who knew and loved Melissa and her family are welcome to attend, share memories, and celebrate a life that was lived with honesty, laughter, compassion, and love.