Melissa "Missy" Molino

Melissa “Missy” (Wachter) Molino, 71, of Shippensburg, departed this life on the afternoon of Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, surrounded by her family.

She was born on December 1, 1951, in Frederick, MD, a daughter of the late Elmer L. and Lois C. (Shaw) Wachter, II. Missy was a 1973 graduate of Lycoming College, earning a bachelor’s degree in art and theatre. She married David M. Molino on July 7, 1973, in Frederick.

Missy was an artist and avid quilter and was most known for being the founder of Quilt Odyssey, a four day, internationally known quilt show and exhibit, celebrating all things related to quilting, held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center from 2000 to 2019.

An artist throughout her life, in younger years, Missy was very involved in the Community Theatre, while living in Williamsport, PA. In addition to art and acting, she enjoyed music; focusing on the piano, flute, and guitar. At home Missy also liked to read, watch birds, cook and tend to and care for her pets, especially her flat-coated retriever, Wren.

In addition to her husband of fifty years, David, she is survived by two daughters, Jenna K. McKenzie and husband Steven of Church Hill, MD, and Lara M. Molino and companion, Manuel Gonzalez Jr of Enola, PA; seven grandchildren, Aubrey, Austin (wife Alissa), Alexis, Gianna, Manuel Gonzalez III, Tristin, and Trinitii; two great grandchildren, Haisley and Ellie; a sister, Donna Badgett of East New Market, MD; a brother, Elmer L. Wachter, III and wife Cathy of Boonsboro, MD; her step-mother, Betty Baylor of Boonsboro, MD; two step-sisters, Cinda Lipsey and husband Robert of Arlington, VA and Julie Rhodes and husband John of Rohrersville, MD; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and many lifelong friends and colleagues.

In addition to her biological parents, Missy was preceded in death by a sister, Cheryl Wachter, and a step-brother, Robert Berry.

Her memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg. Missy’s friend, Ms. Dot Everhart, will officiate. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service on Thursday afternoon at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter at 5051 Letterkenny Road West, Chambersburg, PA, 17201.