Obituary of Melissa J. Hodgdon

Melissa “Missy” Jo Hodgdon, 56, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a year and a half long battle with pancreatic cancer, which she fought harder than anyone could imagine. Missy was one of the strongest women around with a will to live a happy and fulfilling life, and her family is forever proud and grateful for how tough and selfless she was throughout her illnesses.

Missy is survived by her husband (Scott Hodgdon), her three children (Bobby Peterson, Jackie Overton, and Ricky Peterson), her grandson (RJ Peterson), her two stepchildren (Alyssa and Tyler Hodgdon), her two sisters (Cheryl Duggan and Lori Wise), and countless cousins, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather (John Wise, Joyce Moran and Bob Moran) and her two brothers (John and Alan Wise).

Missy grew up in Pembroke and over the years resided in Kingston, Plymouth and Carver. For the last 15 years, she has called Middleboro home, and there she and her husband Scott made names for themselves when they established the Walnut Feral Society to rescue homeless, feral and abused felines; sterilize colonies from reproduction via the trap, neuter and release process in partnership with local animal shelters; and educate people and raise awareness about responsible pet ownership. For the last six years they have trapped and cared for a colony of cats, which has at times been 20+ and is now 15. They’ve created a sanctuary for their cats and aspired to expand on their property to accommodate even more.

Beyond her legacy of being a cat lady, Missy enjoyed gardening (the outside of her home was just important as the inside and her plants and crops were like kids to her too); the beach (an avid collector of shells and sea glass); adventures with her kids (exploring nature, swimming and fishing on the ponds, amusement parks, going all out for every holiday (especially Halloween) and much more); music (she loved all the classics and could sing every word and had some impressive dance and karaoke skills); baking (she was known for making every birthday cake in the neighborhood!); and spending time with her loved ones. Missy also enjoyed being part of her community, supporting local farms/businesses and attending every nearby fair and market she could find, and getting to know her neighbors.

Missy endured a lot of hardship in her life but persevered to enjoy and make the most of everything she had. She enjoyed living simply and helping others over herself. She will be remembered for her huge heart, feisty attitude and speaking her mind, and a lot of fun to be around.

Visiting hours will be held at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St. Kingston on Monday, July 15 from 4:00 to 8:00PM followed by a burial at Center Cemetery in Pembroke on Tuesday, July 16 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Walnut Feral Society. This will allow for the cats to continue to be cared for, which will be challenging without her but the best way to honor her and what she loved most. You can donate via their go fund me page https://www.gofundme.com/f/walnut-feral-society or send checks to 135 Walnut St, Middleboro MA 02346.