Melissa Moskau

Melissa Nan Moskau, age 47, of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Melissa was born on July 22, 1979, to Janie and Ron Moskau. She graduated from Crescent City Christian School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, including a Master of Arts in Christian Education with an emphasis in childhood education.

Melissa served as children’s minister at First Baptist Church of Kenner and several other churches throughout the New Orleans area. She devoted her life to sharing the love of Jesus with children and their families.

Melissa became a Christian as a child and loved and served the Lord throughout her life. After she was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, however, something changed profoundly within her. God freed her from the anxiety she had carried and gave her a new boldness to speak openly about her faith.

Through ten years of treatment, God placed Melissa before countless patients, doctors, nurses, and others who needed to hear about Jesus. She viewed each encounter as an opportunity to share the hope she had found in Him. Her greatest desire was for her life to point others to the eternal hope found through faith in Jesus Christ—the good news that Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who trust in Him.

Melissa shared an especially close relationship with her mother, Janie, whom she called her best friend and greatest encouragement. Their devotion to one another remained a source of strength throughout Melissa’s illness.

Melissa was the granddaughter of Joe and Lillie Hamilton and Walter and Doris Moskau. She is survived by her mother, Janie Moskau; her father, Ron Moskau; her uncle, Henry Moskau; her aunt, Ginger Moskau Cress; and aunt and uncle, Bobbie and Tony Cassanova; her cousins Celeste Smith, Ozzie, Emily, and Hannah Cassanova; and many other relatives, church families, and friends.

Melissa was a devoted New Orleans Saints fan, enjoyed Chick-fil-A, and dearly loved her dog, Toby. Most importantly, she loved Jesus and lived with the assurance that heaven was her true home. Those who loved her grieve, but not without hope.

A private service for family and close friends will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, Louisiana.

A public memorial service celebrating Melissa’s life will be held Saturday morning, October 3, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Kenner. Friends, former church families, and community members are invited to attend.