Melissa Danielle (Devore) Gauvain passed away at home in Houston on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the age of 49 following a lengthy battle with Ovarian cancer.

Melissa is survived by her husband of 22+ years, Stephen Gauvain, father Mark Devore of Houston, sisters Frances and Lauren Devore of Houston, Grandmother Josette Devore of Canton, Ohio and many in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was born April 4, 1975, in Galveston, Texas to parents Mark and Patricia Devore. Other than 2 years in Pensacola, Florida, Melissa grew up in the Clear Lake Area where she excelled academically and athletically. She was a 1993 graduate of Clear Lake High school. She graduated in 1997 from Trinity University in San Antonio with honors, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Art History. Melissa went on to graduate with honors in 2005 from the University of Houston with a master’s degree in social work. She earned her professional license and maintained her LMSW until shortly before she died.

Melissa’s work life was always geared to helping others, especially at-risk youth. After graduating from Trinity, she worked as a substitute teacher for a year at Clear Brook High School. She worked for the juvenile probation department at the detention center and Harris County Youth Village. She also provided individual and group counseling sessions to institutionalized individuals for MHMRA of Harris County also at Harris County Youth Village. After leaving UH, Melissa worked at Depelchin Children’s center for several years providing home based individual and family therapy to children and families. Melissa had the rare ability to see good in every troubled youth she assisted.   In 2018, after retiring from social work, Melissa began to volunteer at Bay Area Turning Point, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.  She answered a crisis hotline until she was physically unable due to her cancer. She was also a fundraiser for MD Anderson Cancer Center for Ovarian cancer research.

To those special people that Melissa opened up to in her personal life, she displayed a great sense of humor and a movie quote for every situation.  She had a passionate love of sports and traveling with her husband Steve with whom she shared many adventures to beautiful places all over the country (sometimes even in costume!).  She was also fiercely competitive and was a ringer in nearly every card game she played (all while coyly denying it of course).  Despite her extensive challenges in life, she faced them head on and with good humor and a smile; a favorite to all the medical staff privileged enough to treat her.  She was also a voracious reader, and leaves Steve with an intimidating library to curate.

Melissa was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in 2017. She underwent major surgery, extensive chemotherapy and achieved 5 years of remission before eventually succumbing to the tumor she affectionately named Kyle.

Melissa’s memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the Crowder Funeral Home in Webster, Texas. Due to her love of Hawaii and the beach, she requested guests wear flip flops or other favorite beach footwear to the service and bright colors. An after-service gathering will be held; place to be announced at the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bay Area Turning Point, or Planned Parenthood.