Melissa J. Mulveny, dedicated teacher

Melissa J. “Missey” Hilligoss Mulveny, 51, of Broadkill Beach, passed away suddenly Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.

Missey was born in Lebanon, Pa., daughter of Melinda (Felty) Hilligoss of Broadkill Beach, and the late Scott E. Hilligoss. Her parents moved her to Broadkill before she was even 2 years old, and it is where she always called home. 

Missey graduated from Cape Henlopen High School with the Class of 1988; many of whom she was still connected with over the years.  Some individuals from high school became co-workers as well as great family friends. After High School, she received her bachelor’s degree in education from Wilmington University and went on to receive her master’s in education from Southern New Hampshire University.  Her teaching career began as a paraprofessional, and was spent in the Cape Henlopen School District, most recently teaching fifth grade at H.O. Brittingham Elementary.  She had a passion for her special education students and cared for each child so deeply. Her students and school community loved her dearly. She had dedicated herself to the Cape Henlopen School District community for over 27 years.  

When she wasn’t at school, Missey could be found near the beach.  She loved spending days with her toes in the sand with her daughters, her family, and her friends.  Missey loved crabbing, playing board games, marbles, and most recently learning the game of bridge.  All summer long, you could hear dice rolling across the dining room table as she played games. Summertime was her favorite season because her entire family would gather for beach parties and bonfires. Countless days were spent sitting on the beach until past sunset enjoying time with her family. 

Since she was a child, Missey loved pets, especially her golden retrievers along with many other animals. She had recently developed an appreciation for goats, courtesy of her oldest daughter Brynley. She enjoyed taking her girls out to the farm and learning the ins and outs of showing goats. Her youngest daughter Maycey recently began showing the summer of 2021, and she enjoyed sitting and watching. The activity was a whole family experience, and she was always excited when the girls walked home with ribbons. 

Missey loved her Broadkill Beach community.  As a young adult, she worked at the Broadkill Store, and it was a lifelong dream to own the store one day. Unlike many people, it came true.  Missey and her family were blessed to have the opportunity to purchase the store in 2018.  She loved working and spending time at the store with her family and being invested in her friends and neighbors. The Broadkill community loved to come to the many parties that Missey and family hosted throughout the year, most notably the annual Fourth of July Party which was open to anyone walking by. Her kids have entered a float in the parade every year, often dragging along some of the longtime members of the community with them. Missey loved to entertain and have people over, and the house was rarely quiet. 

Missey is survived by her husband of 25 years, Jeff Mulveny; three daughters, Brynley Mulveny, Josey Mulveny, and Maycey Mulveny; her mom, Melinda Hilligoss; two brothers, Ed Hilligoss and wife Debbie, and Michael Hilligoss and wife Tina; one niece, Abbey Hilligoss; three nephews, Matthew Hilligoss, Dylan Hilligoss, and Brock Hilligoss; several aunts, uncles,  and cousins; and a host of friends, students, and co-workers.

A Celebration of Missey’s Life will be held at 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 23, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton.  A viewing for family and friends will begin at 3 p.m.  Interment will be held privately.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Missey’s memory to any of the following: Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding, P.O. Box 219, Nassau, DE  19969; Delaware Humane Association, ATTN: Jeanette Hayes, 701 A St., Wilmington, DE 19801; or Alzheimer’s Association of America, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Online condolences are welcome for the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.