In Memoriam: Melissa LeBaron
She was a daughter, sister, mother, and a fitness pioneer in Austin. Melissa LeBaron, owner of Knockout Kickboxing, crossed over to eternity on Thursday, September 19, 2024 after her public battle with stage 4 cancer.
Every year we know that we will be challenged with unknowns, but we are never truly ready for someone like Mel to leave us way too soon. My personal connection with Mel goes back to 2018 when she first opened Knockout Kickboxing on West 6th St. I had just begun my photography journey, but Mel saw something before most people and gave me a chance. Just like she gave herself a chance when opening a kickboxing studio. I’ll forever be grateful for that photography opportunity she gave me to create images for her new business. I still regard the images we got from the shoot as some of my best photos I’ve taken in my 10 year career. Photos that I will always use in my portfolio. Beyond that, I admired her so much for her leadership, dedication to Austin’s fitness community, and her motherhood.
Mel, you were loved by all. Thank you for believing in me. I will never forget the opportunity you gave me. Love, Weston
Laura Melissa LeBaron Obituary
Laura Melissa LeBaron, affectionately known as ‘Melissa’ and ‘Meli’ passed peacefully surrounded by her family, on September 19, 2024, in Austin, Texas, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on September 28, 1985, in Sonora, Mexico and moved with her family to the United States when she was seven years old. Melissa’s life was a testament of resilience, strength, big-hearted generosity, and unwavering determination.
Despite growing up without parents and a challenging childhood, Melissa overcame obstacle after obstacle and went on to live a truly inspiring life. She graduated from Texas State University, where she studied marketing, then launched a successful career in software sales. In 2017, her entrepreneurial spirit called her to a stronger passion – to open a kickboxing studio where the local community could get fit, connect, rise up and strive for their own personal greatness. Her studio, Knockout, would go on to win awards year after year and persevere through Covid-19, a true reflection of Melissa’s determination and undefeatable spirit.
Above her professional accomplishments, Melissa cherished her role as a mother to her beautiful daughter, Alessandra. Her love for Alessandra was boundless; she wanted nothing more than for Ale to have a full and abundant life. Melissa focused on raising her to be courageous, compassionate, and confident.
The legacy Melissa leaves behind is of strength, courage, love and inspiration. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, beloved sister, niece, cousin, aunt, and dear friend and colleague to many. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of the many people she has touched and will be greatly missed by all those who knew her and loved her.
Melissa is survived by her daughter, Alessandra, her sister, Rachel, and numerous close and extended family members.
