Melissa A. (Akin) Efantis, 42, of Hampden, passed away suddenly on January 1, 2018. Melissa had an infectious smile that would light up a room.  Her family describes her as a kind soul with a golden heart. Melissa treasured her time by the pool with her mother on sunny days. She was an avid reader, and she adored animals of all kinds, especially her cats.  Melissa was a sports enthusiast and was often cheering for her favorite teams, the Yankees, Rangers and Giants. Melissa was born in Springfield on December 9, 1975, the daughter of James Akin and Melanie (Stein) Akin Martin. She was educated in the Springfield School System and she studied at Springfield Technical Community College. Melissa worked in the Insurance industry for many years. Melissa was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Lloyd Stein and her maternal grandparents Samuel and Elizabeth Orlen. She is survived by her beloved husband Arthur “Jimmy” Efantis, Jr. of Hampden; her adored step-children, Joseph Efantis,  Andrea Marie Efantis, and Krista Lee Efantis all of Hampden; her cherished mother Melanie  (Stein) Akin Martin and her husband Patrick of Chicopee; her loving father James Akin and his wife Lynn of Tempe AZ; her big brother Michael Akin of Springfield; her paternal grandparents Joseph Akin and his wife Maryellen of Gold Canyon, AZ; and her maternal grandmother Leone Stein, her two sisters-in-law Cynthia Forette and her husband Maynard of FL., and Peggy Blais of Springfield, her best friend Amy Bennett of Holyoke; as well as a large extended family of many aunts, uncles and cousins. A Life Celebration Services will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 10a.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street in Springfield. Burial will conclude in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Springfield. Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 4-7p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit www.ByronKeenan.com. 

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