Melissa FAGAN
(née Hatchuel)

Dear Austin, Cillian and Rordan I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful wife and mother. Melissa was a lovely woman with such an infectious smile. My thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time. Sending lots of love Terri and family

What a desperate shock it was to hear of Melissa's passing. How to reflect on memories from London, Cape Town and Budapest? Not easily. It is with deep sadness that I do. But I draw some consolation from Melissa's legacy of her love for Cillian, Rordan and Austin. RIP Melissa. Thinking of you Austin, Cillian and Jordan

Thinking of Melissa, I see her bright-eyed curiosity and enthusiasm. I remember her sparkling wit, her creativity, her kindness. She was easy to talk to and quick to laugh. She was a radiant being with a big heart. We studied together and it has been many years since I saw her, but I will never forget her bubbly presence. Sending love to her family.

Melissa, the news of your passing caught me off guard. I was not prepared for this disheartening and shocking news. The arrangements we had to visit you, Austin, Cillian, and Rordan in Ireland were unsuccessful prior to your passing. I recall the first week of my arrival in Scotland, when I was alone and my family was still in South Africa. You had intended for me to travel over to spend the Christmas holiday with you, but I was compelled to work during that time. I first encountered you as my employer in Constantia Capetown, South Africa, where I formed a strong connection with the boys. The relationship between you and me, Melissa, intensified over time. You were particularly concerned with my aspirations, and our relationship never ended when I resigned from the childminding position during the time when the boys needed to go to school. You always wanted something better out of me ,and that, l have taken made it part of me to always wish the best for someone else. I recall the visits to my house.

To me, a sister from another mother has embarked on a journey that no one can accompany or escort. IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

Austin, Cillian, and Rordan, we are thinking of you and praying for you. May you all find perfect solace as time passes during these difficult times. Kim and the Hatchuel family, as well as granny Bride, grandpa Tom, and the entire Fagan family, please receive  our heartfelt condolences.

I would like to express my sympathy to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Melissa's passing. I was fortunate to work alongside Melissa, whose radiant smile and kind nature always shined through. I will keep Austin and the boys in my thoughts and prayers.

Dearest Melissa, I heard of your passing through your sister Kim. I know we hadn't been in too much contact of late so the news was a shock to me. If there is one thing I recall with fondness is your beaming smile and quirky personality, I was speaking to my Sister recently and both of us remember the Hatchuel family going back to Sandringham Primary School days. May I say one thing and that is may your rest in eternal peace Melissa, to me you left this world to soon and may your husband and sons know that you were a lovely, warm person with an outgoing view on life. Fly with the angels...........

For Meliss: am deeply saddened, thank you for your friendship and our years working together:
"Bring me all of your dreams
You dreamer,
Bring me all your
Heart melodies
That I may wrap them
In a blue cloud-cloth
Away from the too-rough fingers
of the world."
Langston Hughes, 1901-1967.
(Thomas Lamb - Path by the Sea II, 2019)
With condolences to Austin and the boys x

Deepest sympathy to Austin, the boys, the extended Fagan and Hatchuel families on the very sad passing of Melissa. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Part 2
The morning after her death, I lit my Loom candle and I spent some hours in yoga, meditation and prayer, my practice in honour of her, sending her the energy I created, wanting in some way to support her flight. Wanting in some way to say thank you. Thank you, Meliss, for such a beautiful friendship. Thank you. And when I felt her with me in that space, the overwhelming feelings were of love and gratitude. I will be forever grateful for how you enriched my life, Meliss. For how you shared your love so generously. For the being that you are. With all my love, Anna.

To Melissa’s loving family,
I see my message is a bit long, so I’ll split it in two…
My thoughts, love and prayers are with you all as you navigate the loss of our Melissa, a loss that is so deep and so wide.
The memorial has just ended. There was so much love in the room. I could feel the power of it, despite being so far away. And this is really the essence of what I would like to say about Melissa. She embodied love. No matter that we were often in different countries, I felt her love. A truly deep connection, born of her depth. She was a soulful seeker, and we talked about the cosmos. She was a creative soul, a poet and wordsmith, and we connected through stories, books and poems. She loved music and we swayed to the beat. She was deeply committed to evolving as a being, and we visioned together, explored, reflected and practiced the attitude of gratitude. She loved moving and we cycled the Cape Peninsula. She was an earth sister and a beloved Water Woman to me, and we wove our dreams together. She inspired me with her strength. And she made me laugh.

Sending so much love, Melissa was a ray of bright sunshine and her light continues to shine in our memories.

Sincere sympathies to you Austin and your boys. Deepest condolences.
May Melissa rest in peace.

Melissa's recipe for life

Take equal parts of her faith and courage
Mix well with her sense of humour
Sprinkle with lots of tears
And a large helping of kindness to others
Bake in a good natured oven
Dust with her laughter
Remove all pity
Scrape away any self indulgence that is apparent
And serve in generous helpings

I miss you 🌻

Condolences on Melissa’s passing to Austin and the extended Fagan family.

What a burst of love, joy, curiosity and compassion Melissa was. She lived her life with an amazing intensity, and for the brief time our lives intertwined she held a light for me and inspired me.
To you Austin Cillian and Rordan- wishing you love, strength and courage and may you carry Melissa’s light into the world along with yours.
With love
Ilana

Melissa’s passing is a heartbreaking loss. Though I hadn’t seen her for many years, her passion, integrity, and courage left a lasting impression.

She lived with deep intention, facing life’s challenges with positivity and strength.

Even in her battle with cancer, her spirit never wavered. Her legacy is one of resilience, kindness, and purpose.

Though time and distance kept us apart, I will always remember the incredible person she was.

Rest in peace, Melissa—you will be deeply missed.

"You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived."

And live she did!

I was blessed to first cross paths with Melissa around 20 years ago when we were both working in London. Bonded by our South African heritage and love of books, we remained firm friends ever since. I loved our meet ups on my return trips to SA, where our friendship picked up just where we'd left it. I truly valued our conversations - always coming away feeling enlightened. Melissa was truly one of the most genuine people I've ever known. She was fierce, wise and caring. She chose the path of curiosity over fear. I will remember her for this and hold her in my heart always.

My heart felt condolences to Austin, Cillian and Rordan, her wider family and all her friends, for we have lost a good one.

Austin, Rordan, Cillian & the Fagan/Hatchuel family. So very sorry for the loss of your wonderful Melissa. We were pals through Sarah RIP over the past decade or so. She was a beautiful person who was such easy company. Rest in peace Melissa

So sad to hear this news - Austin & Melissa's Cape Town home was *full* of love, and Melissa, you made us agilists all so welcome - thank you!
I'm grateful for the time I had to know you, and a virtual pint and a dram and reems and reems of love to Austin, Cillian and Rordan.

I met Melissa at the school gates while she waited to pick up her son, Cillian, on his first day at secondary school. It was clear as we chatted just how warm and friendly she was, smiling brightly as she spoke about her two boys. I am so sorry to hear she has died. Sincere condolences to all her family. May she Rest in Peace.

Heartfelt sympathies to Austin,your boys, Bride, Tom and both families. I only met Melissa a couple of times but remember her bright smile. I’m so very sorry for your loss. May Melissa rest in peace.

Austin and Fagan family, Please accept my deepest condolences. Holding you in my prayers.

I am so sorry for your loss, Austin. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May her soul rest in peace.

Part 2: Meliss, you always gave of yourself so enthusiastically. You loved reading and through Book Dash, you got to share that love with less fortunate children. You took action. You made a difference.

You sucked the marrow out of life, and I don’t know many people who can do that consistently. I always felt incredibly honoured and proud to be your friend.
I have the deepest admiration for the graceful human you were. Always striving to be the best version of yourself, always considered in your approach to others. The way you handled your dance with cancer was something to behold. Even through your sickness, you always made me feel like my issues and upsets, my joys and laughter were still important.

I cannot begin to fathom the journey ahead for Austin, Cillian and Rordan. I however do know that you equipped your boys well, to live good lives just by the very solid foundation you laid as an incredible mom.

----

My deepest thoughts and condolences are with you Austin, Cillian, Rordan, Steve, Kim and all those who love her.

Melissa was and will continue to be an important part of my life. Her loss is devastating. How can a vibrancy like hers be gone? I do take solace in knowing from recent conversations that she was at peace with things in her life, past and present.

Meliss had the gift of being both gentle and bold and I will love her forever.
Rest in peace my special Meliss

My deepest condolences to Austin, Cillian and Rordan and the whole family at this devastating time. May your memories bring you great comfort.

There is so much to say about the exceptional Melissa, it's made my tribute rather long so I am sharing it over 2 posts.

Part 1: My beautiful Meliss, you were a true light and the world is a much darker place without you in it.
Your light beamed from your smile and your eyes, it warmed those you connected with and it brightened our days.

We met at Wits Drama School and our connection grew fast and strong. There are few people who share this journey of life that truly know you. Your past, your present, your future hopes and dreams. Melissa was this friend.
When friendships span 30+ years, across cities, seas and continents yet remain connected and close (thanks modern technology) you know you are one of the lucky ones.
When we met everything was ahead of us. Meliss, you were full of hope and ready to take on the world! I never thought I’d need to say goodbye so soon.

Anyone who knew you Meliss, knew you were a talent, in so many ways. Your curiosity and inquisitive mind made your interests so diverse and made you an even more interesting person to talk to, with so many fresh perspectives and the wisdom gained from a life fully lived. Incredibly creative but also meticulous, which made you such a great editor.....

My deepest condolences to Austin and his family. May her soul rest in peace. More power and strength to the family.

Please accept our deepest sympathies. Melissa was a beautiful person, she will sorely be missed. We send love and light as you navigate this very difficult journey of grief. Let us know if we can help in any way.

Deepest condolences to Austin and family.
May her soul rest in peace.

My deepest condolences, Austin. Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.

So sorry to hear this sad news Rest in peace Melissa thinking of all your family and friends especially Austin and the Bride.Tom and all the Fagan family.

Meliss - our paths crossed in Jhb, London and then in CT - we always had such wondeful chats and our shared passion of reading was such a joy to us both and many a book was shared over the years. May you rest in peace dear friend.
To Austin and your dear boys - I am thinking of you all as you navigate this loss but what a legacy she leaves within you all.
Lots of love

Our sincere condolences to Austin Cillian and Rordan on the sad passing of Melissa your beautiful wife and mother
To David Kim and Steven on the sad passing of your daughter and sister
To Melissa’s cousins and the extended Hatchuel family
To Bride and Tom on the sad loss of your lovely daughter in law
To Hannah Carmelita Conal and Vincent on the sad passing of your sister in law and to the extended Fagan family
Melissa will always be remembered for her captivating smile that could light up any room
Rest in peace Melissa beside your loving sister in law Sarah 🙏❤️

Melissa, my beautiful, clever, talented and kind friend who lived around the corner.

We shared long talks about our work, about books, music and mostly about our beautiful and quirky children. I can’t say exactly when you moved to Ireland because we never stopped talking - it’s just that our walks around the block were replaced with voicenotes and video calls, and I inherited a cherished pot plant, Austin’s juniper berries and box of your camemile tea. Before you left we both went through a decluttering phase and I had the privilege over two nights to act as witness to a huge box of school and university memories that you had to let go - mostly play programmes and drama sheets that spoke to your immense talent and passion.

Perhaps more meaningful was our witnessing each other’s battles with illness. When my son was diagnosed with a serious condition, I leant on my wise friend for comfort. Melissa, you were the one who told me that you cannot avoid fear - that you have to move through it. That this too shall pass. We talked about healing - you affirmed, again and again and again, your commitment to your family, to Life.

My beautiful friend - I cannot tell you how richly you have blessed me. I hope my open ear was sometimes helpful. You walked your path with such grace and I am humbled to have taken some steps alongside.

My love and condolences to Austin, Cillian and Rordan, and to Kim, Steven and Melissa’s father. She was one in a million. 🤍

Deepest sympathy to Austin ,Cillian & Rordan
on the sad passing of Melissa. Also to Bride Tom & all the Fagan Family .You are in our thoughts and prayers are this very sad time. May Melissa rest in peace.

To Austin, Cillian, Rordan and the Fagan family, sincerest condolences on the passing of Melissa from all the Savage family. May she Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the Redemptorist Community at St. Joseph's I offer condolences to Austin, Cillian, Rordan and the extended Fagan and Hatchuel families on the death of Melissa. May she rest in peace. She will be remembered in our Masses and prayers.

Melissa, my darling, beloved cousin, daughter of David Hatchuel, and the late Sharon Swimmer, beloved wife of Austin Fagan and their two darling sons, Cillian and Rordan: your memory will always be a blessing. Thank you for so many happy memories. You brought joy into all our lives.

Deepest sympathy to Austin and family, Tom and Bride and the Fagan and Hatchel families on the passing of Melissa. May she rest in peace.

I became fast friends with Austin when we worked together in London in the early 2000s. I was engaged and Austin was married, and he teased me about what I was getting into. He was hilarious and his embellished storytelling was wonderful and frightening. I soon met Melissa, and when she walked into the room I was mesmerised by her beauty and easy-going nature. I caught Austin's eye, and the game was up. The truth was that Austin was the luckiest guy on earth and he knew it. I introduced my then fiancée, Jen and we hung out as couples in South London. We both enjoyed Melissa's company so much, with myself and Austin being the idiots and Melissa rolling her big eyes and reaching for Jen's arm and laughing and making fun of us with a quip, or just a perfect facial expression. Jen and I were honored by Melissa and Austin's presence at our wedding in 2005 in Germany. Late in the evening, Austin and Melissa took us over to see the comment they had written in our wedding book.

'Marriage is like a walk in the park, sometimes it rains.'

I have often reflected on those wise words over the years, and none more acutely than now.

Melissa. Thank you for your smiles, your fun, your goodness, your friendship.

Rest in LovingPeace Sister.

Andy & Jen Guild

My heartfelt condolences to Austin and the family. You all are in my thoughts. I wish you strength and moments of peace during this difficult time.

So sorry to hear this sad news Rest in peace Melissa thinking of all your family and friends especially Austin and the Fagan family such a beautiful young lady

The world is a little less bright after Melissa's passing. She was a beautiful and bubbly soul. May her family and friends find peace and comfort in the love she spread while she graced us with her presence.

My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to all the family and friends that this beautiful soul touched. I remember her fondly as always smiling and lighting up a room. Sending love and prayers to you all. She will be watching over us with the angels.

Heartfelt condolences for your Loss, Austin. May the departed soul rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to Austin and his family. May you find strength in the cherished memories of Melissa and carry them forward with love and remembrance. May her soul rest in peace

Cuz,
I truly can’t quite comprehend this. Utterly devastated but holding on to so many wonderful memories. I shared some with you recently and helped you laugh. I’ll make you laugh one more time… you got me back in synagogue tonight for the first time in a looooooong time. It was an honor to join the congregation in reciting kadish with you in mind. I can hear your big laugh as I tell you that!
Thinking of Austin and the gorgeous boys, Cillian and Roardan. Your mother’s memory is such a blessing.
Say hi to your mom from my mom.

All my love Gary,
With love and remembrance from Carol, Raymond, Justin and Darren

Our paths crossed in London, South Africa and Ireland over the decades. From sticky Shoreditch bar floors, scenic routes across Capetown while regaling you of dusty adventures in AfrikaBurn and through a shared love of Arundhati Roy. Talking to you was never just small talk; it was belly laughs, deep sh*t full of wit and incredible wisdom. I’ll always remember your incredible kindness and words when I lost my dad.

Austin, Cillian, Rordan—I can’t imagine what you’re going through. There’s no playbook for loss. But I hope you’re surrounded by people who loved her, sharing stories, raising a wee dram, and keeping her spirit alive in all the ways she’d want. She was a proper class act. x

My deepest heartfelt sympathy and condolences to my friend Austin, his children and the family circle. Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of your loss of your beloved wife Melissa. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time x

To Austin and Fagan family, our heartfelt condolences goes out to you in this time of grief, we wish you strength during this time.

Love Mark & du Plessis family

Thinking of you ! my thoughts and prayers are with you

My deepest condolences to Melissa's family, particularly Austin and the boys. She has left us at such a young age. I wish long life for Austin and his sons. And despite our geographical separation, I'd like to help as best I can, even as just a voice on the other end to provide support.

Holding Austin, Cillian and Rordan in my thoughts, every day, may they continue to be strong and may the beautiful blessing of Melissa reign on forever.
Wishing you all Long Life.
Sending you all my love and strength.
Cindy, Ari and Bevan

May her soul rest in peace. Keeping you (Austin) and your family in my prayers and wishing you all the strength and understanding in this challenging moment.

So sorry to hear this sad news of Melissa ,thinking of Austin and family, Condolences to all Rip 🙏🤍🙏

Sincere condolences Austin, Cillian and Rordan on the loss of Melissa. You are in my thoughts Austin at this hard time.

My deepest condolences for your loss. Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time

Your whole family are in our thoughts, there is nothing we can hope to say that will ease your pain.

Some days life can be hard, and some days they will be Rough,
Some days you just got to cry before you move forward,
And all of that is okay.
Thinking of you all
Diana and Family.

Sincerest sympathies to Austin, Cillian, Riordan and all who loved Melissa. May she rest in peace.

Dearest Fagans and Hatchuels,

All our love and prayers from Cape Town. Melissa and I (Jo) shared many special times over the span of 45 years. She was fun, intelligent and always up for a challenge. She was an inspiration and a great help to me in times of need. She endured many a difficult time with a positive spirit, willing to grow and learn, and entertain different ways of looking at a situation. I will always treasure our holiday adventures as children, and the Cape Town years, as we had our own children around the same time. To Austin, Cillian and Rordan, sorry we can't physically be there to support you. Thank you for loving Melissa and giving her a chance to experience what family is meant to be like. Also, to the Fagans and all the friends she made in Ireland, thank you for your faithful love and support right to the end. Much love...

Sincere condolence to Austin and family.
May her soul rest in peace.