'Never Become 1 Of Those People Like My Stepdad': Girl, 9, Warns
JOLIET —About 300 people including a church pastor and Joliet City Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra gathered along Pandola Avenue to pay tribute to last weekend's domestic violence murder victim Melissa Ronczkowski, who was fatally stabbed by her estranged husband.Several organizers of Friday night's prayer vigil, raffle fund-raiser and balloon launch spoke from the front porch of a neighbor's house on Joliet's Pandola Avenue. One of the evening's most powerful messages came from Melissa's daughter, Valerie, who turns 10 years old next week.Melissa Ronczkowski is survived by three children, Valerie, Vincent, 8, and Carter, who is 3.The oldest, Valerie, told everyone gathered at Friday night's prayer vigil that her mother had warned her not to ever end up with a man "like Mikey."Melissa Ronczkowski's 32-year-old estranged husband, Michael Aud-Headlee, fatally stabbed her last Saturday morning after showing up uninvited at her house. After killing her, Michael Aud-Headlee fatally stabbed himself in the driveway of his former house. He was from Carmi, which is five hours south of Joliet, near Carbondale and the Kentucky state line.Around 300 people gathered on Joliet's Pandola Avenue for Friday evening's prayer vigil in honor of Joliet domestic violence murder victim Melissa Ronczkowski, who was stabbed to death last weekend by her estranged husband in the midst of a divorce. John Ferak/Patch"And he would be mean to us almost all the time," Valerie told everyone. "And I hope everyone will find a person that's right for them, loyal, kind and caring ... And I hope you all stay safe and never become one of those people like my stepdad. My stepdad never deserved to be mean to my mom like that. And I hope that everyone stays happy and healthy for the rest of their life."One of Melissa's dear friends, Krystal (Lujan) Ruggiero told everyone that Melissa was a remarkable woman "who touched our lives in ways that words cannot adequately express."This extraordinary woman fought battles that most of us can hardly fathom. She faced the harrowing grip of addiction, a battle that threatened to consume her very essence. Yet, with sheer determination and an unyielding resolve, she rose above the darkness that plagued her life. She fought tirelessly to reclaim her true self, to break free from the chains that held her captive. And she emerged victorious, a testament to the power of the human spirit and belief she had in herself. Even though she was short like me, she was powerful and fierce."Krystal (Lujan) Ruggiero told everyone that Melissa was a remarkable woman "who touched our lives in ways that words cannot adequately express. John Ferak/Joliet PatchAs Krystal's speech continued, she told everyone how Melissa "showered her children with love, nurturing their dreams and hope and providing them with a safe and stable home. Her love knew no bounds and her children were her greatest joy."Today, as we gather in this solemn vigil, our hearts are heavy with grief and profound sadness. We mourn the loss of our dear friend, who was taken from us in a tragic act of violence. We cannot comprehend the depths of pain and despair that led to this unspeakable tragedy. But in our grief, let us not forget the beautiful life she lived, the battles she fought and the happiness she found ..."In our hearts, she will forever remain a shining example of strength, courage and the power of redemption. Let us carry her memory forward, cherishing the moments we shared and striving to live our lives with the same passion and determination that she possessed ... Rest in peace, Melissa, knowing that your love and light will forever shine brightly in our hearts."Related Joliet Patch coverage:'Support Melissa's Children In Their Time Of Need': GoFundMeMelissa Sue Ronczkowski, Loving Mom: Obituary"My stepdad never deserved to be mean to my mom like that. And I hope that everyone stays happy and healthy for the rest of their life," Melissa Ronczkowski's 9-year-old daughter Valerie told the crowd of 300 people who met on Pandola Avenue. Image via John Ferak/PatchImage via John Ferak/PatchImage via John Ferak/PatchImage via John Ferak/PatchImage via John Ferak/PatchImage via John Ferak/PatchImage via John Ferak/PatchThe article 'Never Become 1 Of Those People Like My Stepdad': Girl, 9, Warns appeared first on Joliet, IL Patch.
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