Melissa Ann Branish

Melissa Ann Branish, known lovingly to family and friends as Lisa, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at her home in Williamsport. Until the end, Lisa courageously fought a six-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She did this simply because she didn’t want to leave the people she loved and life she had.

She was born on August 11, 1962, in Levittown, New York, she was a daughter of the late Raymond R. Branish and Donna Lee (Fox) Branish. A graduate of Williamsport Area High School, Lisa carried the values of hard work and loyalty throughout her life. She was employed at Brodart and Williamsport Hospital, and she also served as a homecare assistant for the Presbyterian Home. In every role she held, she was known for her dependable nature, her kindness, and her willingness to help others. Those who knew her understood that she brought the same steady care to her work that she brought to her home and family.

Lisa enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life meaningful. She loved cooking Sunday meals that would last for several days. She enjoyed watching the Lifetime movie network and scary movies, and she looked forward to casino trips and annual visits to Cherry Grove Beach, South Carolina. She especially enjoyed going to New York Yankee games with Carl, creating memories that reflected her love of fun, tradition, and togetherness. She was also deeply fond of her beloved dog, Madison, affectionately known as “Mad Dog,” who preceded her in death.

Lisa was the loving best friend and life companion of Carl Mazur of the home. Together, they built a life centered on care, companionship, and the comfort of home. Her greatest and most important job was making a home for herself and Carl, and she did so with grace, dedication, and a generous heart. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Leigh Anne Bernd of Sanford, North Carolina, and she also cherished her role as stepmother to Teresa Weaver, Patrick Mazur, and Misty Mazur, all of Williamsport. She was preceded in death by her step-son, Louis Mazur, whom she held close in her heart.

Lisa is survived by her brother, Mark Branish of Nolanville, Texas, and her sisters, Michelle Sousa of Omaha, Nebraska and Marie Branish of Loris, South Carolina. She also leaves behind two nephews, David Hadders (Emily) of Clifton Park, New York, and Kevin Hadders (Kait) of Loris, South Carolina, as well as two nieces, Donna Marie Hadders (Shawn) of Latta, South Carolina, and Elizabeth Costley (Matthew) of Little River, South Carolina. Her family was further blessed by two great-nieces, Lilyan Hadders and Alivia Watkins. Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Victor Fox and Faye (Blake) Fox.

In keeping with Lisa’s wishes, services will be private.

A special thank you from Lisa to Dr. Rajiv Panikkar at Geisinger Cancer Institute, the infusion team at Geisinger Muncy, and UPMC Hospice, for all the wonderful care provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lisa’s honor to the Susquehanna Health Foundation, c/o UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport, and/or, Home Care and Hospice, 1001 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.

Arrangements entrusted to Knight-Confer Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be expressed on Lisa’s memorial page at www.KnightConferFuneralHome.com.

“Lisa, you are the best thing that ever happened to me.”