LIHUE — “With deep sadness, we share the passing of Melissa McFerrin Warrack on Nov. 7, 2025, leaving a legacy of friendliness, enthusiasm, dedication, accomplishment and community spirit,” announced Melissa’s family.
That ‘ohana includes her husband, James Warrack, their son, Finnegan, parents Charles Patrick and Rosalie Miller McFerrin of Framingham, Mass., sister, Tiffany Leigh McFerrin of New York City, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
“Her family finds comfort in the many lives she touched, and the joy and optimism she shared,” the ‘ohana said.
A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, starting at 5 p.m. at the Kukui Grove Center where friends and loved ones are invited to gather in her memory. The celebration will take place in the site of the shopping center’s Mele Makeke, or the former Macy’s Mens. Guests are invited to use the entrance near The Kauai Bus stop by the big monkeypod tree.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hawaii Children’s Theatre, reflecting Melissa’s belief in creativity, opportunity and community.
Born Jan. 7, 1971, in Framingham, Mass., Melissa grew up with a love of language and theater, her ‘ohana said. A graduate of South High, Class of 1988, she studied English and Spanish at the University of Pennsylvania and spent a semester in Spain — experiences that shaped her both personally and professionally.
“After college, her adventurous spirit led her to study Chinese at Harvard in preparation for teaching English at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai,” her family said. “She later worked in the English-language news division at Shanghai Television and at Edelman Public Relations, where she helped introduce ‘Sesame Street’ to China and witnessed addresses by President and First Lady Bill Clinton to the Chamber of Commerce.”
She spent seven years in China, forming many lifelong friendships.
Her family said Melissa made Kauai her home for the past 25 years, wholeheartedly embracing the aloha spirit, and became a vibrant force in the island’s cultural and creative community.
She founded the Kauai Made movement, represented Hawaii at shows on the East Coast, helped launch farmers markets, and spent many Saturday mornings at the Kauai Community College parking lot, the birthplace of The Grove Farm Market that was born following the COVID-19 pandemic. Its sibling markets, a collaborative effort by the Kauai County Farm Bureau, are the Pau Hana Market at Kukui Grove, and The Kauai Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukuiula.
Melissa also ran major community events, including the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair, the Garden Fair, and more recently, the Koloa Plantation Days that celebrates the Sugar Plantation era.
Following a brief period with Starr Advertising in Honolulu, she returned to Kauai, working in real estate and mall management, most recently at Kukui Grove Center where she organized numerous weekend events.
Melissa was also dedicated to the performing arts. A past president of Women in Theatre, and an occasional performer herself, she devoted countless hours to Hawaii Children’s Theatre, serving as vice president and supporting productions, young artists and arts education.
She was an enthusiastic supporter of Island School and, with her family, co-owned Aunty Lilikoi Products, nurturing a beloved local business.
Source: The Garden Island
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