Remembering Mel, two years since she left us :-( I still can't believe she's gone :-(
I miss our conversations, our dinners, and our outings with the kids. She was a true friend to me, and she will never be forgotten. I wish she were here with us, but her spirit and the beautiful memories we created together will always live on in our hearts.

I think of you so often dear Mel. Looking at the photos your wonderful smile shows through. Whenever I am in a shoe department I think of you and your love for shoes!! Wishing you a heavenly birthday my dear.

It's really tough not having you here to celebrate your birthday together. I can't quite put into words how much I miss you. Your absence is felt deeply, and it breaks my heart that we can't be together. You'll always have a special place in my heart, and your memory will forever be cherished.
Happy Birthday, Mel!

Happy birthday, myMelanie! I think of you all the time and miss your genuine heart, warmth and unending support. I love you.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mel
I miss you & think about you everyday ♥️

I will always remember Melanie's total zest for life. She enjoyed life to the fullest and it was always fun to be around her. I think of her often (can't delete her voice from my answering machine). I am sure that heaven has never had one quite like her!!

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." - Helen Keller

Today marks one year since we bid farewell to our dear Melanie, and not a day passes without her memory lingering in our hearts. This note is to honor and commemorate the life of someone truly remarkable.

Mel taught us the art of embracing life, finding joy in its simplest pleasures. Her intelligence and kindness were unmatched, and she offered the best advice, always with a smile that could brighten any moment. She was a genuine, warm-hearted soul, a unique gem in our lives.

Today, we pause to remember and cherish the privilege of knowing Melanie. Her legacy lives on as an inspiration to live with kindness, compassion, and unwavering joie de vivre. She will forever be missed, but her spirit continues to guide and uplift us.

In loving memory of Melanie,
Dariana

We all looked up to Mel and I remember asking to go visit her while she was attending William & Mary – I was so proud of her!

Mel was always there for me during the fun times and the scary times throughout my life. 

Mel was my go-to person for advice – personally and professionally and especially when it came to etiquette. I had her on speed dial! Without her guidance I would have been lost and probably said the wrong thing or two.

She made the effort of being at the start and finish line of my ½ marathons in San Francisco and Oceanside – with Jack and my mom in tow and handmade signs. She was there to welcome me over the finish line of my first 200-mile bike ride for breast cancer with Jack and Victor in tow and each had special handmade signs. I still have them all!!

We were able to attend and enjoy several concerts together and the most important thing to be on concert night was a VIP and having great seats! We were able to do that for several years. 

When I got really sick she was quick to send me get-well cards that had cats being evil or mean to a dog or two – they always made me laugh and smile. I still have them all! I will never forget how Mel drove my mom over an hour each way to see me in Carlsbad on several occasions; regardless of how busy or how tired she was.

Most recently, I had accidentally blocked one of my doctor’s phone numbers and they called Melanie to say they have been trying to get in touch with me and could she have me call them. I remember during our conversation – first being yelled at for not answering my doctor’s phone calls and then Melanie saying – wait – so I’m your person? And I said – yes, Mel – you are my person!

Melanie – she was my sister, my friend, my cheerleader ... my person!

I know that it will be very difficult for all of us going forward without Melanie in our lives. And yet, in my heart, I know that Melanie would not want us to be overwhelmed with sadness. Let’s remember Melanie for all of her great qualities and truly appreciate the time that we spent with her. We should make sure that her memory of how she was your person lives on in your heart for as long as you live.

Joe and I are so saddened.  Melanie brought joy to us with all of her dog posts, and activities around fun.  Shoes - always the thing!!!!  You will be missed by many.  

Mel was a dear friend for over thirty years. Her radiant smile brought light and joy into the lives of all who met her, just as her wonderful sense of humor made us all laugh. Her love of books, movies, fine wine and dining, and even shoes was eclipsed by her love of family. She was a devoted mother who cherished Jack above all else. I will always remember the many meals, discussions, projects, and life experiences we shared, and I miss her terribly. My thoughts are with her immediate and extended family for their profound loss.

I met Melanie when I was a child because she was a very good friend of my mom's. As I got older, I developed my own friendship with Melanie too and I will forever cherish the time I got to spend with her. Melanie was truly one of the most special, kind, genuine, warm people ever. When I think of what it means to be a good person, I think of Melanie. I always looked forward to when I would get to see her. She had such a knack for making those around her feel seen and loved. Her love and support meant the world to me. I feel so lucky to have been able to know her and miss her very much. Love you always, MyMelanie <3

Sending my deepest sympathies to Jack, Victor, and the rest of Melanie's family.

I met Melanie in the oddest way - online over our shared love of a soap opera character. Shortly after that, we were able to meet in person and I was instantly blessed by her warm heart, generous spirit and quick wit. She embraced me and my family from that point on. She loved that we both had sons named Jack. She was a confidante to me. But the thing that struck me most about her was her love and unconditional support of my daughter Emma who struggled with self-esteem and anxiety. Melanie was her staunchest supporter and loudest cheerleader. Emma was distraught, as we all were, when she heard of Melanie's passing. She asked me why that would happen to such a profoundly good person. Our send our deepest condolences to Victor, Jack and the rest of her family. The Powell family misses Melanie terribly and knows that we will never have a person like her in our lives again. We love you, Melanie!

To my beautiful big cousin. It does not seem right I am writing this about you. My deepest sympathies go out to Victor and Jack and your sisters and brother, nephews and nieces.
You really were the epitome of a beautiful person both inside and out. So loving, caring, genuine and selfless, but you could get down with the best of us.
I found all the letters you wrote to me from right back when you were leaving Arlington to go to college, to when I came over to spend the summer with you all and you arranged for us to go and watch a soccer match. Life moved on and we lost contact but then I was so happy to reconnect with you and the family and meet you and your wonderful family Victor and Jack, and you meet mine. A hole has been left since you’ve left us, from me looking for your Facebook updates sharing your life - family, Lakers, music, champagne and shoes- to the messages and texts you regularly sent me.
I hope now however you are out of pain and at peace, but know how deeply loved you were by everyone who was blessed to know you. Your sweet Jenny forever. I love you.

I have so many fun memories with Melanie. We met at Bruin Woods and I was immediately drawn to her kindness and hilarious sense of humor.
We shared common interests in good wine and good shoes.
I will always carry her smile in my heart.

What a wonderful person and I'm so glad our paths were able to cross. I can honestly say this planet is better for her having been a part of it. Selfishly...I wasn't done benefiting from that yet! 

My sincerest condolences to her family and her many other friends that likely share that same sentiment.

It was a shock to learn that Melanie had passed away ; very saddening . Melanie was such an amazing person - welcoming , generous , sincere .
A cruel loss for Victor and Jack , and the family .
I am grateful to have had the privilege of knowing her , from her visit to Antibes and from the fabulous reception we were so kindly offered by Melanie and Victor at their home .
With my heartfelt condolences ,

Wolf , Antibes Jumelages

Dear Victor and Jack - I am devastated at Melanie's passing. She was a dear dear friend. Her zest for life was unending and she leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those of us who were privileged to be her friend. The loss to you and Jack is overwhelming and my heart goes out to you both. Mel lived life to the fullest. I will always remember our friendship. In our last conversation she told me that Bravo was finally a piece of her heart, never to replace Besito but to give love in his own way. Healing thoughts and hugs to you both, from "Mrs. O'Brien".

Like so many I was touched by Melanie. Close to 20 years ago our paths crossed and since then she has always been a wonderful connection. I shared a picture of a wonderful book Mel always read to Jack and when I had my one perfect son she was nice enough to pass it along. I just unpacked it a few days ago and smiled thinking of Melanie..

To Jack and Victor,

I am so saddened by Melanie’s passing and the great loss to your family. I know there are no words to truly comfort you, my only hope is the tremendous love you feel from all who loved her will get you through the darkest days. Melanie was a bright light. Her infectious smile and laugh and impeccable taste will forever be remembered by me and in reading other posts clearly everyone else she touched. She had the most beautiful way of touching people in the smallest ways. I remember many play dates with Patrick and Jack (she was one of Patrick’s favorites) and I always enjoyed talking with her about so many things from fashion to food to decor to antiques to dogs and lego’s, and while she knew so much about the finer things she was as incredibly real with a wicked humor. She was a joy to be around, there will be a hole in our community and I only find comfort knowing Patrick will have an amazing mama in heaven. I will be attending her memorial and until then sending love to you both. ❤️‍

We are so sorry for this huge loss. Melanie was a one-of-a-kind lady. She invited Trudy and I many years to see her Barbie Christmas tree. It was girly and fun. We also sipped champagne. After, we would go to Melanie’s closet and check out her amazing, fancy shoes. Wow! She was a character, elegant and a lovely person. xo