We thought it would be nice to create a place for everyone to share stories, thoughts and feelings about Melanie. This blog was started on May 17th, during Melanie's final weeks here. Melanie passed away on May 31, 2007. In her 37 years, Mel packed in more "life" than some people experience in twice that time. Let's continue celebrating that life.
To view the comments below, you might need to click on the "Welcome to Melanie's Tribute Page" title bar (above).
To post a comment, click the "post a comment" link below (not the "subscribe to: post" link). This will open up a box where you will type your comment, and below that it will ask you to "choose your identity". You do not need to be a registered user - you can select "other" and just enter your name (web address is not needed), then click "publish your comment" to save it.
If you have a picture of/with Mel that you would like to share, please email the picture to me at sue_oreilly@yahoo.com and I will post it on the page.
Beautiful Melanie
After a swim in the Mediterranean
World Cup, last summer - Go USA
A dazzling smile....even when it's blue!
More World Cup
Mel, Mike S. & Ruthanne
Punta del Este, Uruguay
Melanie at the beach
Punta del Este, Uruguay
Julia and Melanie
Punta del Este, Uruguay
Julia, Karen & Mel - ready to go dancing
Argentina
Mel at the capitol in Buenos Aires
Argentina
Mel in Buenos Aires
Birthday Girl
Melanie's Bday 2006
Happy Birthday Mel
Bday Cake 2006
Mel's Bday Party 2006
Mel & Jennifer T.
Mel's Bday Party 2006
Liz, Kary & Mel
Mel telling stories at her bday party
"let me finish"
Temple Bar, Dublin
Jen & Melanie
Duderstadt, Germany
Sue & Mel sharing a hot fudge sundae
London Christmas Party
Ruth, Mel, Karmele
Cheers!
Mel & Willem
Visiting Mel in London
Michelle, Robyn & Mel 2/06
Janet & Paul's visit
Mel and Janet on the Thames
Polo
Having fun at the Polo
At Trafalgar Hotel
Melanie and Ruth
Conny's Rehearsal Dinner
Kary, Mel & Conny
Switzerland
Lanae & Melanie at the Madonna del Sasso
New York Skyline
Lanae & Melanie 2005
NYC Sports Bar
Lanae, Mel, Sue & Mary
37 comments:
I have never met Mel, (I am good friends with Sue O'Reilly). Sue has told me so much about Mel I feel like I know her. She is someone to look up to. Just from hearing the stories Sue has told me about her travels, determination and positive attitude has made me a better person. There is so much more a person can do than you initially realize. I want to thank Mel for her inspiration. I know there is more out there. My life will be more complete knowing there are special people like Mel in our lives. Sarah Holloway
I will always be inspired by just how MUCH Mel has done in her life. From travelling to excelling in all sorts of sports to going to friends kids birthday parties, graduations, award dinners- she has been there for so many of us and remembered all those important details of our lives. How many times has she called me up and remembered the most mundane details of a day I was having, my bosses name, the meal I was nervous about cooking for a dinner party and so on... She has also soldiered on with such bravery, I know how grumpy I get with just a headache, I can't begin to imagine what its been like to live with so much physical pain for the last 3 years! I'll always remember Mel as being such a vivacious, loving and caring person with a GINORMOUS zest for life!
My name is Bettina Neset. Mel and I went to junior high and high school together. We had a special group of friends. We shared so many fun times together- swim meets, the beach, dancing, skiing in Idaho, etc. Unfortunately, we did not stay in touch. When I heard Mel was so sick, it brought a flood of emotions to the surface. Guilt for not staying in touch, sadness, anger, ...
Please send Mel all my love and a BIG hug! Bettina (bneset@comcast.net)
My life will never be the same without you gorgeous Melanie, but it will always be better for having had you in it. You are a true shining star.
This is what I wrote in a card to Melanie, and thought I would share these thoughts with you all too.
My dear Melanie,
As this card says, THANK YOU for being you. You have been a true friend for many years. I am so grateful that I was able to spend some time with you on Sunday. I know the time is coming soon when you will be leaving us. And, that is hard to imagine. But as difficult as it is for us to let you go...it is hard now, knowing that your vibrant spirit is trapped inside a body that is getting weaker and weaker. You have too much energy and zest for life to be trapped inside a body that will not cooperate with the way you like to live. And, even though you will not be here with us physically, I do believe that you will be with us in spirit...and that your spirit will be freed from disease and suffering, and you will be alive in a different way. It seems so weird to be writing this, but I know and understand that this is where we are at now, and I do want to acknowledge that. Whether you are here physically, or your spirit is soaring somewhere above, free from pain, you will always be loved, and I will always consider you one of my dearest friends.
I hope you do know what an incredibly positive influence you have had on so many. People around the world (literally) are inspired by you...and you will live on in the legacy of showing others how to make the most out of life, and to not sit around and have "pity parties" for ourselves when we are healthy enough to travel, or swim, or just walk through a park. I think you have always understood what is "really" important in life and have lived life very well. I will try to always remember that, especially when I am having a "blue" day.
I pray that you find peace soon and that your spirit is free to reunite with your parents (who I believe are there watching & waiting for you), and your energy will then radiate through the universe, reflecting back to us the beauty of all that you are.
Girl, I will miss you - but you will always be in my heart and in our great memories.
Love Always, Sue
WOW Sue, what you wrote is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Melanie has touched so many people's lives in countless ways and my heart aches with how much she will be missed.
Mel and I have been friends since the 10th grade and to recount a special time or memory of Mel would require me writing a novel. Don't worry, I will spare you the novel but I would like to mention a few thoughts on our friendship. Like, I will never visit San Francisco and not think of Melanie & the great times we had living in our apartment on Bush St. Or the great friends I made as a result of her. I won't watch a sporting event (Wimbeldon, the Olympics, swimming, basketball, etc...) without hearing Mel cheer her favorite team or athelete. My birthday won't be the same since I don't think she ever once forgot to send me a card or call me (even my most recent b-day 3 weeks ago, I was amazed!). When I hear a favorite song of Mel's on the radio I will see her rocking out to the music. So full of life. Melanie has taught me how to be the best I can be and I hope my children have a friend in their lives like Mel. She is more than my friend, she's my sister. I love you Mel.
Jen
Dearest Mel
I don't think I ever believed that you of such great spirit and zest for life can leave us so early, but you are such a special person, I can see why God wants YOU by His side - I guess we have to share you :o)
You are an inspiration Mel. Your 2.5kms in the pool with tears of achievement, despite the pain...your hectic social life that was filled with art and parties, breakfasts and walks, one-to-ones, holidays abroad...you never stopped!
I just want to thank you for being such a wonderful jem in all our lives - always so interested in everyone and so interesting. I treasure the times we've shared walking by the Thames, in Richmond Park, in Surrey, the delish waffles, the quiet times in prayer, the giggles, traveling to Verona, swimming, tennis.....and all the special snail mail notes of beautiful words.
Your picture of you, Megs and I is on my desk and I see you every day. My prayers are with you for peace and joy Mel. I love you my friend.
This is one of my favourite quotes, and Mel, you have more than succeeded in so many ways, truly excelled and set an example... especially by making the world a better place for your being here.
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mel - you gorgeous beautiful woman...you are in our hearts and no matter where you are, you will be ever-present. God bless you special friend, and know that you are loved so very much by friends and family all over the World.
Lots of love as always,
Lu
My darling Mel
I have not known you for very long at all - but praise God that I had the priviledge of knowing you for a small part of our lives. You are an eternal inspiration to me - and God has used you powerfully to teach so many of us so many things.
You are a gorgeous and amazing treasure of God. He lent you to this world for some time to show us all your beauty and your love and care and inspiration - and so much more. And now He has you in his loving protective rams, and when he holds you close,a dn calls you home to Him, you will no longer feel pain or sorrow and your new body and soul will rejoice and be at peace with your loving Father forever.
My darling, I have no idea how God does, or what His plans are for any of us - but do know that He adores us, and has good plabs for all of us - plans to prosper and not to harm us. And we have to trust Him.
Thank you for being a special part of my life for a short time. You will be missed by a multitude of people, and that gap will never be filled, and will always be filled with happy memories of your vivacious and fun character, and your gorgeous beauty.
I hope you get to read these messages from those that love you - and know there are many more that love you too. ASnd most of all I pray that you feel God's presence near you and know His grace and His peace.
God bless my precious angel .........
Lots of love and blessings
Britta
xxx
My life has been so enriched by Mel during her years in London and I feel so lucky to have counted her as one of my closest friends. She has a heart of gold and had a heart of physical steel until recently. What an incredibly generous person - always focused on her friends' needs and so selfless during her difficult times. She never let anything slow her down and always made the most of every opportunity that came her way. She is a people magnet like no one I've ever met before. And those beautiful sparkly blue eyes! I am going to miss my favorite travel, snowboarding, swimming partner. Her loyal friendship and practical advice...her mind over matter strength and pushing herself to the limits even with her strength declining. It's amazing and she's made me appreciate the small things and all that I have more than I ever would have before. I love you so much for all you have given me Melanie!
Like we say, we all have so many memories of Melanie where do we start? She knew more people and travel led to more ends of this earth than anyone I know!
I first met Melanie at Oracle back in 1996 or so. We were cubemates and boy did we have some laughs. We shared many great times with RAF, RJC, Stuart, Martha, Gail, Megan and so many more people, And then all the amazing athletic times- Donner Lake swim, Trans Tahoe, Hood to Coast and just the simple runs along Chrissy Field. After the athletic events, Mel was the first to put her cute outfit on and turn into party girl! Mel was always up for a challenge and rarely turned anything down. With that said, I think that she sure gave her cancer a run for its' money!! She blew her doctors' expectations out of the water with her tenacity and longevity despite such a grave illness. Melanie truly has touched so many lives and is an inspiration to us all. Her strength should be an inspiration for all other facing her disease. I plan on telling my kids about my dear friend Melanie. When they tell me they are having a rough day, I may say remember Melanie - she had it much worse off and kept on living for as long as she possibly could! She rarely complained for felt sorry for herself, she just lived as much as she could each day.
Mel - I will miss you so so much but will remember you forever and think about the memories often. I hope you have landed in a place where you are once again able to be yourself!
Love, Robyn Mattern (Vorous)
Dearest Mel,
Well words could never explain - what a rare gem of a person you were - A well cut glittering diamond does not even have the beauty that you had, as a very special person. You really made everyone who you came into contact with feel special, loved and treasured. You were an inspiration to all, your enthusiasm about travel, people and just getting on with trying to accomplish all we dream of & you gave us an energy that will never run out!
Thanks for being who you were genuine to the end. We will all miss you but I know God has a really special place for you with Him - which is why He has taken you from us so soon.
May God really bless all those that you have touched.
All my love Lea
I grieve today for our exquisite, beautiful friend. There is the immediate pain of losing her - she who enriched our lives in immeasurable ways - yet I know we carry forward the many gifts she bestowed on us all.
She taught us what friendship means remembering more about our lives sometimes than we did. She defined caring and listening.
She taught us about grace. Under such adversity - the pain, fear, unfairness of the disease that eventually broke her body but not her spirit - she showed such resilience, positivity, vitality.
And she demonstrated what beauty is. Those stunning blue eyes, irresitible smile, and ready, vivacious laugh. Yet her pretty outside was more than matched by her radiant inside.
Kindness, joy, love, respect, understanding, generosity: these were all Mel. She didn't intend to leave lessons but she has, and this, her legacy, we can try to emulate.
Our memories will be sacrosanct, with us to the close of our own days. We describe her as a gem and our rememberances are diamonds of the precious time we had together.
For me these include a climb to our friends roof top in London on a New Years Eve, dancing by our chairs at a Gypsy Kings summer concert, not letting the rain defeat us on a fancy polo Sunday, practicing our flirting skills at a London hot spot, picnicing at the Proms, time together in Germany during one of her treatments - shopping, relaxing, and indulging in ice cream, and just so many more.
She had a galaxy of friends and I always told her I had no delusions of grandeur and was content to be top of her B list. She made me feel so special and so loved. For that and all, I shall always be grateful.
I have met Melanie only a couple of times through Karmele (London). I was amazed by her strengh, her energy and her faith in life despite all the hard times she went through. I remember her explaining with such passsion her trip to Sevilla during the Semana Santa,that my sister decided then she would travel there too, which she did! I was touched by Melanie's incredible attitude to life and this radiance and sunshine that a few people have. Myself and my sister Nathalie would like to join our thoughts to her family and to those who knew her more closely and enjoyed her special friendship.
We are sure she is in peace now and will pray for her.
Charlotte & Nathalie Cabrero
I met Mel once,the night of the Ben Franklin house opening. She left a lasting impression on me.She was Brave Beautiful and had a beautiful smile that will be in my memory for a long time.
My heart felt sorrow goes out to her Family and to all her friends who I know loved her.
June 1,2007
Unfortunately, I lost touch with my dear dear friend too long ago. Mel was one of my very best friends in high school, some of our most formative years. Her smile and laughter still ring in my ears as I think back to all of the hilarious, silly, poignant, painful, and moving times we shared. She would laugh, I know, when I say her hair was as big as her smile. But it was the 80's, and she was so stylish! She always had good things to say about everybody. As many of you have said, she had such and infectious and dynamic personality. She loved life with such zest and zeal. She did more in her too-short life than most people even dream of in a lifetime! Her example is one that I will think of often, her spirit will live on in my cherished memories. As Jen Mitchell said, I only hope my children will have someone as special as Melanie in their lives. She will be missed my so many.
Dear Melanie,
I went running with you today through this city you know so well.
It resembles a time, a place and story only you can tell.
In June the park is green and bright,
filled with the scent of flowers and the sounds of life.
I looked up and your eyes were above me - crystal blue, shining and free.
Your golden warmth was everywhere, in the foliage and the trees.
Your voice was easy and gentle; no longer strained by your body's fight.
Your shadow was running beside me, we were moving in the sunlight.
After an unfair struggle - I know you are in a better place.
But your spirit still visits here, gracefully guiding me through life's race.
The strength you displayed showed me how to live better.
Give more, do more, run faster; even through stormy weather.
Courage is something you've taught me; I will never forget.
You lived life to its fullest, never wanting to regret
something you didn’t do for a friend, or a time you weren’t there.
You were known as an angel to many because of the way you cared.
I am comforted you are running beside me even though we are in different places.
In the next life we will hear a familiar gait, and recognize each other's faces.
This life will move on and my time will come.
Then we will be friends reunited: both our races will be won.
With love to a dear friend and an amazing person.
I thought that I would miss you so,
and never find my way.
And then I heard the angel say,
"They're with you every day.
The sun, the wind, the moon, the stars,
will forever be around,
reminding you of the love you have shared,
and the peace Mel has finally found"
***
Many many lovely friends of Mel will feel the same way but I am proud to say that I was the first lucky person to have met you when you first arrived to this busy city. I can still clearly picture you when we first met at Phu’s. You looked stunning and I thought “wow, what an energetic, warm and fun girl!”. You have remembered every anniversary since and years have flown by and our friendship has grown stronger. I was always stunned by your detailed memory. You remembered more from my ups and downs that I could or ever would! How often did I feel guilty for not being able to reciprocate your adorable memory. You were always there for me and I hope I was there for you when you needed me. Girl you gave me so much friendship, my soulmate- I will always love you! . Wherever I go whatever I do, I will always remember you. Your wonderful smile, your strength, your positive attitude and your caring nature are just unique. So much beauty in one spot just beyond belief. I was so happy that you managed to be with me on my ‘big day’ and you could finally meet everyone close to me and they could meet my wonderful friend. You are unique to this world and I don’t blame your Mutter & Vater for wanting you back. Have a blissful journey to heaven my love.
***
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the lord
I have learned of Melanie's passing by the circumstance of our upcoming highschool reunion. We get together every 5, 10 20 .... years to catch up. This 20th gathering, we will be missing one of our fellow students. Being as highschool often is, I knew 'of' Melanie but did not 'know' Melanie. Still and I was greatly shocked and saddend to find she recently passed away. At the same time, though the writings of her friends and the delightful pictures, I got the sense that hers was a life lived fully. To her family and friends, I extend my deep felt, sincere condolences. And to Melanie, rest in peace beautiful person.
It has been twenty years since I have seen Melanie last and yet learning of her death today has affected me greatly. Melanie and I were on the swim team together at Chaminade. I remember her as a beautiful young woman who was sweet and kind and always had an encouraging word to give. I am saddened and disappointed that I didn't keep in touch with such a lovely individual. My heart goes out to her family. I lost my mother to cancer a few years ago and understand the void it leaves.
My name is Allan Goldberg, and I'm executive director of First Descents, the organization in which Sue O'Reilly asked that funds be sent to in honor/memory of Melanie.
As a two-time survivor of cancer myself, and only having finished chemo two months ago, I can say without hesitation just how inspiring Melanie's spirit is to all of those touched by this disease.
Her strength and iron-clad will speak volumes of the type of person she was in life and it is quite evident that she touched many, many people during her temporary stop here on earth.
First Descents provides whitewater kayaking and outdoor adventure programs for young adults with cancer ages 18 through 39.
This summer I know that every rapid a young adult patient/survivor experiences will be a tribute to Melanie's life and the funds that have come in to our foundation in her name will go toward funding as many of these young adults as possible.
A behalf of First Descents I thank you all for your support in honor of Melanie as she will be held in our hearts as a source of strength forever.
Very Sincerely,
-Allan
I am a former classmate of Melanie's. We were actually in homeroom together throughout highschool. It seems so odd that we were all grouped by our last names, yet somehow touched and affected all of the lives around us. Although we were never "friends" and socialized in different circles, Melanie was always a girl who was sincere and kind to all. I know that she touched my life by being a kind and generous soul with a big bright smile and booming cheerful voice that made high school much more bearable. Thank you Melanie for making high school, and the world a brighter, happier place to be. May you rest in peace.
Melanie and I first met in 9th grade. We quickly became good friends. She was my best audience, and I loved making her laugh (even though it meant being sent to the principal’s office a few times – but well worth it!). To write about the memories together would take pages. Although, one of my favorite memories is a recent trip to Switzerland, which was one of her favorite places to visit. To be able to experience that with Melanie meant the world to me, knowing how much she loved to travel – it was the last time I saw her.
I enjoyed reading all of the beautiful words written by her loving friends. I can see the imprint of Melanie in each and every friend she has, and that makes me smile.
My step dad once asked me, “How many friends do you have?” I thought about it for a while, and I said “I guess around ten or so.” He looked at me and said, “Think about it again. Think about what a friend is, what they mean to you, if you can count on them for anything, and vice versa. If you have more than a handful of friends, you are doing OK.” I thought for a long time and I counted again, “Four.” I said. Melanie was one of those “handfuls” of friends. That was over 20 years ago.
Melanie defines the word friendship. Her selfless, caring, positive attitude will guide me the rest of my days.
I grieve for our friend, and her family that is left behind. Life is but a gift given to us for a short time. The new life she has now is for eternity and her beautiful self is with us always.
I love you Mel! Big hug!
Lanae
I am a friend of Lanae DiSilvios. She wrote me of her friend Melanie's passing and I just wanted to tell her family and friends how sorry I am. Lanae told me she has been fighting for three years, how brave and positive she was. I have a friend going through it right now, and the words help so much. I know she is missed by reading all the beautiful words. She is in a pain free, eternal place right now. It's my hope that they can rest in that. I will be praying for them.
Melanie and I worked together in California, and when I transferred to the UK she peppered me with questions. She was really fired up about moving overseas, we talked at length about establishing residency through her German heritage, as I had done through my own Irish heritage.
A few months later, my London office phone rang and it was Melanie! just arrived in London and raring to go! She embraced everything, made it her own, and judging by this site, made many many wonderful friends all around the world.
I am so sad to hear of her passing, and I hope her family and friends find some comfort in all the lives she touched.
Sincerely,
Christine Murphy (Meehan)
My name is Michael DiSilvio (Lanae’s husband – that’s what I go by nowadays). I met Melanie for the first time back in ’92. Within the first fifteen minutes I knew that I had made a friend for life. Of course this introduction was a Friday night at 2:30 AM (Saturday morning) when she and my new girlfriend (yes, Lanae) needed a place to crash after a girl’s night out at the old Pelican’s Retreat in Calabasas, CA. It took Mel about three minutes to ask me what I had in the fridge and to help herself to whatever was in there.
The thing that will always stick with me the most about Melanie was her INCREDIBLE knack of making you feel like the most important person in the world when you were with her. She was always genuinely interested in YOU, what you had to say and what was going on in your life. No matter how hard you tried to change the topic back to her she made you talk about yourself.
Melanie was one of the most energetic people I have ever met. Her “The Glass is Half Full” attitude will motivate me forever. Think of society as it is today…now think of a society filled with people like Melanie. Makes you wonder what life could be like doesn’t it?
On May 31st the world lost an amazing person. Everyone who was lucky enough to have known her is a better person today. I know I am.
I'm not even sure if Mel was aware how she touched my life or what she meant to me. My name is Meghan Mitchell, my sister Jen was one of Mel's best friends since high school. Melanie was a part of our family. She was at all of our family parties and a fixture at the family beach house. She was like a sister to me. After hearing of Melanie's passing, our family got to sharing "melanie" stories. By the end of the conversation, we were all in tears from laughing so hard. Our world will never be the same without Meanie Woiwode, but she sure made it a better place!
What a beautiful tribute.
I went to high school with Melanie and shared a wonderful friendship- I love that her spunky spirit and zest for life never wavered. It saddens me to the core that this beautiful, amazing woman is no longer with us.
Her infectious smile and her sparkling spirit touched so many.
Caroline Hick (Ashasian)
It is so wonderful to read all of these tributes, and I must say a bit intimidating to write one after so many beautiful expressions about Melanie's life. I met Melanie at Cal Poly and enjoyed friendship with her during our San Francisco days. Over the past few years we had kept in touch only sporadically but my husband and I were fortunate to hook up with her in London a few years ago when I was there on business. That was the last time I saw her and I will always remember her being full of optimism and leading the way - as always - to new adventures most of us only dreamed of. Some memories I will hold dear of her are her big smile on the dance floor of my wedding...ordering pizzas in the middle of the night and trying to figure out the address while crasing at "a friend of a friends" on a Santa Barbara road trip...doing the Bay to Breakers and watching her school all of us by actually running instead of just walking with our beers...bringing to a high school friend's party in SF and having him call me later because they all wanted to invite Mel to hang out with them more...inviting her to a work party in London where she knew no one and having her get there first and make friends with everyone...the list goes on.
Mel was the life of the party; she truly lived a remarkable life and my husband and I are so blessed to have been a part of it even for a short time. I know she is in heaven now with her parents, blessing everyone else she meets there.
Cyndi and John Darlington
Thanks to everyone that contributed to Mel's tribute slideshow. It's comforting to see Mel enjoying life to the fullest with her many friends.
Download slides here (6MB file):
http://cstuart.home.mindspring.com/mel/mel.ppt
Reading these posts, and looking at the pictures of Melanie, whom I only a had the pleasure of knowing through Sue O and small encounters in college, I am inspired, indeed -challenged - to look at life through a lens of opportunity. It is so easy for us to become trapped in the details of our lives, the things that cause worry, and bog us down. I am guilty of this! I am mindful as I write this, that it's time to use my beautiful life - made up of phenomenal friends, a magical family, and my own healthy self - to give more to others, make a greater contribution in the world, and pack it with adventure, with the kind of zest that Melanie exuded every day of her own life...I feel blessed to have been touched by her inspiration.
I remember Mel as a complete breath of fresh air when I first met her at NMR in London.
I remember her lovely smile and sparkling eyes, she was always upbeat and happy and full of encouragement for everyone. What a wonderful lady.
I am so sorry that I lost contact with her after I left there, she was the type of person you would always want to have as a friend, you could just learn so much from her attitude to life.
I was so shocked and saddened to hear she had passed on BUT so thankful that I had the chance to know someone as special as Mel...god bless you Melster and thanks for being you:)xx
Matt Bullard
The girl at the top desk greeted us all, come rain or shine, pain or not - there was always a happy face at the Nielsen Media Research London office.
Five years ago, Melanie Woiwode joined NMR as a Business Development Manager. A great girl with a zest for life, a happy smile, and a devotion to her work. Against very competitive opposition, her business wins were numerous. She leaves us a legacy of many happy clients.
The early days of her illness were a mystery to most of us. How could she battle on? Still swimming, running, playing tennis, rushing here and there. We believed her very healthy diet - her quest to try anything to beat the disease steadfastly drove her on. But above all, always stashed in her bag, was a packet of Digestive biscuits (always McVitie's), Mel's secret weapon.
Even as the disease slowly progressed, Mel would always be at her desk, giving her all, training and managing clients all over the UK. And even when her days were dark, she rarely complained.
Melanie's determination and tenacity amazed us all....but to her it was her "normal life" the means to carry on.
Even her last day in the office, each and every one of us expected Mel to stay with us forever, and she certainly is!
Every time we walk into our London Office, there's Mel sitting at the her desk, or getting up to go to the microwave to warm her coffee, or offering us all a biscuit. Mel's big smile, an infectious laugh, always up for a lark and a joke, will never leave us!
Melanie, we'll never forget you - your strength is our strength.
We hope and pray that you are at peace.
With love and fondest wishes from all of your colleagues at NMR.
I was Mel's flatmate in London for almost 2 years and then held a nice friendship, specially after the sad news of her disease and parents tragic death. We were not very similar but we had good laughs together and I really admired her strength after all these problems. It looks to me that such problems made her even a better person. I also admired her sister and brother. I had the feeling they loved each other very much. It was a privilege to meet you Mel.
Ricardo
I never knew Melanie. I came across her obituary in the San Jose Mercury more than three months ago and was struck by the way she touched so many hearts and what a positive influence she was in her short life, a life that was lived to the fullest. The fact that a website was created in her honor speaks volumes. What an inspiration to hear so many people speak so fondly of her. She blessed so many people that knew her.
Jose Isla, Fremont
I was privilaged to know Mel for around 7 years, she was a lovely friend, always bright, chirpy, positive. Excited by life snd constantly full of energy...
It's over 3 years since Mel passed away, I still tell people about her, i can't tell them about the pain, the treatments, the cancer. Every time I met her, we scarcely spoke of her illness, when we did, it was always positive, new treatments, beating it... But, I tell them of spirit, determination and about what a special person Melanie was.
Shortly before she died, I set up a triathlon team, we prayed one day she would be back to ride with us. On the pocket of every race shirt, 'Mel' is printed, I tell the members about the bit of Mel I knew. We're always honoured to have her name with us as we race. Her spirit is always with us.
Miss you Mel
Chris - Team bodylab.
I have just recently lost yet another young, beautiful, vibrant friend. It brings the painful memory of losing Melanie all back. I miss you everyday Melanie and I thank you for visiting me in my dreams. I love you! Lanae (known to Mel as "Goose"!)
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