A fundraiser launched in honor of Melissa Kolonich, who was killed on Nov. 11, has raised over $12,000 as of Monday.
Melissa Kolonich, 42, was found dead inside her Franklin home earlier this month from what the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office said was the result of stab wounds.
Police said investigators determined that she was murdered by her husband John Kolonich earlier that morning. Soon after, John, 46, left the home in his vehicle, crashed into a backyard of a nearby home in Franklinville and then killed himself, authorities said.
Since the incident, Melissa’s sister has taken custody of the couple’s daughter, a friend of the family said. Her loved ones held a funeral service at the Gloucester County Community Church in Sewell on Nov. 19.
A GoFundMe campaign was also launched the day after the incident to support the family.
Jena Quinn, friend and longtime colleague of Melissa’s sister, told NJ Advance Media she, “started the fundraiser to help (her friend) to have money to support her niece.”
It was also posted, “to ensure the family has adequate funds for funeral services and her niece is well taken care of,” Quinn said on the fundraiser page. “Every penny donated will make a difference.”
According to an online obituary, Melissa Kolonich was born in Willingboro and earned her degree as a dental hygienist from Harcum College in Pennsylvania. She also worked as a realtor.
“Your untimely passing will ache in our hearts forever,” the dental offices where she worked said in an online tribute. “We will always remember you with that beautiful smile, so happy and sweet. Always bubbling with cheerful energy and never taking life too seriously. The adoring mother that lived and loved life to its fullest.”
The offices called Melissa an “amazing mom,” whose death left her patients “heartbroken.”
“Such a sad situation. May she rest in peace and her family find comfort and healing,” one commenter posted on the funeral home’s obituary page.
“Prayers to her daughter ... and for the family and friends she left behind. Rest In Peace Melissa!” said another.
Tom Gilbert, chief of detectives at the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, said Monday that no further information was available on the active investigation into the incident. A motive for the alleged murder was not disclosed.
Editor’s Note: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced with the proper mental health support and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
Editor’s Note: Reach the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). Reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), chat with their advocates here or text LOVEIS to 22522.
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Steven Rodas may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @stevenrodasnj.