Melissa Ann and Emily Grace Phiefer age 35yrs and 2yrs passed away on March 3, 2016 in Rochester following a tragic fire at their home.

Melissa Ann Phiefer was born on October 14, 1980 in Rochester to Susan Smith and Scott Phiefer. Melissa attended Eyota schools before graduating from Mayo High School. She obtained her LPN degree in 2007 from RCTC. Starting as a CNA, she worked at several Rochester nursing homes, most recently Golden Living East in Rochester. She deeply loved her profession. On January 16, 2014 her daughter Emily was born in Rochester. Melissa's life revolved around her daughter and the two were inseparable. She was an artistic, talented, and giving person. She was recently learning to sew, and was excited to begin making things for her family. Little Emily captured the heart of every person who met her. To Emily, no one was a stranger and she loved them all.

They are survived by Melissa's twin brother Michael of Chatfield, her brother Andy Phiefer of Rochester, her sister Mallory Smith of Rochester, her parents Susan Smith of Byron, MN and Scott Phiefer of Eyota, her step-father Russell "Sam" Smith of Chatfield, MN, her grandparents Jackie Phiefer of Rochester and Dorothy (Don) Bourquin of Byron, MN.

They are preceded in death their grandfathers Robert Phiefer and Scott Suddendorf.

A Memorial Service for Melissa and Emily will be held on Friday March 11, 2016 at 2:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Pastor Beth Perez officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Rochester.

Memorials are preferred to the local Interfaith Hospitality Network.