Melissa Ann Balivet

Melissa Ann Balivet passed away on September 7, 2026, at the age of 75, leaving behind a rich legacy of curiosity, creativity, and love for her family and animals. Born December 13, 1950, Melissa spent nearly her entire life in Houston, a city that was always home to her heart. She attended Holy Ghost Primary School, St. Michael Catholic School, graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1969, and went on to attend The University of Texas at Austin. She also cherished her second home in La Grange, Texas, where she found peace and joy away from the city. Melissa possessed an endless curiosity about the world and the people who came before her. She had a deep and abiding love of art, along with a passion for travel, reading, and family genealogy, always eager to uncover another story from the past. A true old soul, she held a special fondness for classic movies and the great stars of Hollywood's golden age—Gone with the Wind was among her favorites. An enthusiastic collector at heart, she built an impressive collection of records, movies, and books over the years, each one a small piece of the world she loved. Music was a constant thread throughout Melissa's life, and her tastes were wonderfully eclectic —Shirley Bassey, The Guess Who, Led Zeppelin, and Dean Martin all had a place on her turntable. Melissa loved musical theatre, treating her nieces and nephew whenever a favorite like "The King and I" or “Mame" was in town. Melissa's love for preserving family traditions came alive in the kitchen. She took immense pride in preparing her signature dishes—homemade fudge and divinity, orange chicken, King Ranch chicken, turkey dressing, and meatballs. These recipes, passed down and prepared with love, will connect generations of our family to Melissa’s memory. Melissa had a legendary appreciation for a good bargain. If she found something she loved at the “right” price, buying one was rarely enough. Her bargaining talent came in handy during her favorite season, Christmas, where she would spoil her family with treasures she had found. Melissa's three nieces and nephew held a very special place in her heart, and she took great joy in her relationship with each of them throughout her life. Perhaps just as dear to her were her animals. Melissa loved and cared for many cats and dogs, giving them extraordinary devotion and receiving the same unconditional love in return. Melissa is survived by her brother, Michael Poujol, and his wife, Angela Griffon Poujol; her nieces, Rachael Poujol Prior, Allyson Poujol Carameros, and Jaclyn Poujol; her nephew, Michael David Poujol; and five loving grand-nieces and grand-nephews, who brought her tremendous joy. She was preceded in death by her mother, Tess Chapman Poujol; her father, Albert Poujol; and her beloved uncle and aunt, Emile Poujol and Yvette Poujol Chenevey. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Michael Poujol, Michael David Poujol, Davis Prior, Phillip Carameros. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079 with officiant Father Wayne Wilkerson. Interment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and as a fitting tribute to Melissa’s lifelong love and compassion for animals, Melissa requested donations be made to Special Pals, Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, Friends for Life.

Melissa Ann Balivet

December 13, 1950 - September 7, 2026