Melissa Jane Hudson, a dedicated public servant and a passionate emergency medical services professional, died on Sunday, September 6. A nationally registered emergency medical technician and certified emergency medical dispatcher, Melissa won widespread respect and well-deserved recognition during her 23 years of service at EMSA. She was 52 years old.

Melissa was born to Verl and Esther Hudson on October 22, 1962 at Tulsa's Osteopathic Hospital. Her twin sister Patricia died moments after their birth. The family moved to Collinsville where Melissa graduated from Collinsville High School in 1980. While in high school, she played the trumpet in marching band. After high school, she attended Tulsa Community College briefly, but left school to care for her father's medical needs. After a period of self-employment, Melissa decided to pursue a career in the healthcare field and completed Tulsa Technology Center's emergency medical training program.

Melissa started her career at EMSA on June 1, 1992. She was a strong patient advocate, attentive preceptor and analytical dispatcher. Melissa had an innate skill to calm callers, manage resources in a high-volume system, and motivate her peers. It is no exaggeration to say that Melissa was a true lifeline for Oklahomans in crisis, as she answered tens of thousands of 9-1-1 calls during her career. She was a loyal friend, a dependable leader and a true force to be reckoned with.

In 2010, Melissa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She chose and was able to work full-time, almost to the end of her life, while undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatment. Melissa acquired the nickname "Glimmer," a few years ago. She was receiving radiation treatments and was getting discouraged about how tired she was. On the way home, Pam teased her by singing "Shine little Glow Worm, Glimmer, Glimmer" and the nickname was born. Shortly thereafter, Melissa's friends, colleagues and loved ones created the "Team Glimmer" network to support Melissa and her wife, Pam, and share treatment updates.

Melissa was named the Oklahoma Emergency Medical Technician's Communications Specialist of the Year in 2011. In 2013, she was commended by the Tulsa City Council for helping rescue a premature infant born in the midst of a violent domestic dispute. Melissa talked the mother through the birth, persuaded an irate man at the scene not to harm the mother or child, and instructed a police officer who arrived at the scene just minutes after the baby's birth in CPR. In 2014, Melissa was nominated by her peers and chosen to receive the EMS industry's most prestigious honor, the national American Ambulance Association Star of Life award.

Melissa spent quality time with friends and loved ones during the last five years of her life. On November 4, 2014, Melissa and her longtime love, Pamela Kay Kritikos, were married. The two traveled to Europe, took a cruise with dear friends, and loved spending time with their furry companions, Dexter and Tugger.

Melissa is survived by her wife, Pamela Kritikos; her sisters Cheryl Hudson and Linda Lane; brother Ed Evans and a several neices and nephews; plus great-nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Verl and Esther, and her twin sister, Patricia.

In lieu of flowers, Melissa would like you to donate to a charity of your choice, ovarian cancer research, American Cancer Society or the Tulsa SPCA.

Viewing will be 12 Noon to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Memorial service will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, September 11, 2015 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel.

Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233