I walk by the Woodworth's house a couple days a week with my dogs.  I always smile, and still so sad, I think of Melanie, say a prayer for her boys/men she loved so dearly (her world) and fondly remember her Barbie tree!  She would have loved the Barbie movie!  She would invite me and Shelly Schwarzenbach and our girls, Trudy and Sophia, to come over and see her Hallmark Barbie tree.  We'd have some champagne.  It was just so unique and fun to do.  We would eventually end up in her closet to view her shoes!!!  God bless Victor and Jack.  RIP fabulous Melanie.  xoMarena

Melanie's memorial was held 1:30 - 3:30pm Saturday August 27th, 2022, at the Woodworth residence. Thank you to all who attended and all those who couldn't but shared their memories of Melanie directly with the family or on this website.

Melanie was an incredibly warm and wonderful person and impacted many people during her far too few revolutions spinning around on this big blue marble with us. While we can’t possibly understand the impact of her passing on her family, many people from where she spent her workdays were also greatly impacted. We thought we’d share some thoughts and a short list of just some of the many people that called Melanie a friend.
   While there is nothing anyone can truly do to help at a time like this, the passing of someone dear to us reminds us that it is incredibly important to celebrate life, which is something we frequently take for granted. Planting trees is one small way of leaving a lasting mark on that previously mentioned blue marble. Trees bring many benefits to the environment, especially in hard-hit areas around California that Melanie called home. They also represent the perpetuality of life, counter intuitive as the word perpetual may seem right now, as seedlings grow to trees which spawn other seedlings, growing more trees, and so on…
   Melanie may have left us physically but not spiritually (whatever that word may mean to different readers). If you get an opportunity to look at some trees, and maybe some of those shown here specifically, think of Melanie.
   Please know that we do.

I'd like to RSVP to Melanie’s memorial on August 27th, along with a couple of my colleagues. 

Dear Victor and Jack,

This is such sad news. I am truly sorry. My name is Ama Golden. I had the pleasure of working with Melanie on a project when we were at Bank of America. We became quick friends. She was the absolute sweetest woman. I was pregnant with my first child when we met (who is about to turn 11). She gave me mommy advice, and gifted my newborn with the sweetest blanket that she still has to this day.
Mel and I continued to keep in touch throughout the years and I will truly miss our every now and then conversations. My condolences to Victor, Jack and all of her family and friends.
Melanie - May you Rest In Peace

One more photo. I miss her.

Dear Victor, Jack, and family,

The news of Mel’s passing is still so devastating, my words of condolences I know will not help with the grief that  you are experiencing.  Mel was one of a kind! Im so grateful for the many years of friendship that we shared.  It is hard to wrap the mind around the depth of your loss, my loss, for the loss of anyone who knew and loved Melanie. 

I plan on attending the memorial gathering at your home on the 27th.  I have a few photos that I will be taking photos of and downloading to you in the near future.   

Please know that you are in my thoughts all the time.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you with the gathering on Aug. 27th.

love, Brenda

Hi Victor and Jack, 

Justin & I will be attending the memorial. Attached please find pictures from Antibes and Paris from 2015 and from when the French came in the Fall 2015.

I met Melanie at Bank of America many years ago. We became sisters: Mel, Lisa, Shirri and I. I have so many memories but very aware to share all will be consuming and selfish of me. My eyes still well with tears when I think about her not being here in the flesh. She was so giving and so supportive. I know it is cliché but please do not put off to tomorrow what you should do today. Our Bank of American 4 person sisterhood promised lunch and we never coordinated schedules and now we are 3. 

Mel will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart!

Dear Victor and Jack,

It is with great sadness that we learned of Melanie’s passing. We keep the memory of her as a lovely person.

Melanie and Victor had received us so well during our stay in 2015 to celebrate the 25 years of the twinning between Newport Beach and Antibes.

We  will not be able to be with Victor and Jack for the commemoration but all our thougths will be for them and Melanie the Saturday August 27.

Régine et Paul FAURI, Antibes Jumelages

I wanted to let you know that the Powell family (4) will be at Melanie’s memorial. 
She was an incredibly special person and we all miss her terribly.

I am so sorry for the loss of our sweet Melanie. My thoughts and prayers are with you both, Victor and Jack and your family. I'm here to help in any way ... please let me know if I can help with anything. I'm so sad and heartbroken. Love to you all.

Dear Victor and Jack,

In the Summer of 2018, my family and I travelled to the West Coast. Melanie and Jack met us in Manhattan Beach, where we all went to dinner. Melanie was a wonderful friend to my mom for many, many years. Her kindness and friendship towards my mom meant everything to me, Melanie was there for my mom through some very hard times. Sadly, this was the only time I got to meet Melanie but I could tell she had a very beautiful soul and a kind heart. So thankful I got to go out with her this one time. Rest In Peace, The Laine Family loves you.

Dear Mel,
As I write this, I feel such immense pain for one of the most important people in my life.
You were always there for me in my darkest times, when others were not.
You inspired everyone with your contagious laughter and smile. Your beauty was effervescent.
I will always love you!

So sorry Victor and Jack!  We all Loved Melanie's spirit and am so sorry and sad!

My name is Jenny Alaniz and I met Melanie in 2014 during a new position I had just taken with Bank of America. When I met Melanie I immediately knew she was a very  special lady. Her sweetnesses and her presence was infectious. Even after the project, we kept in contact. I remember how strong she was in work but I remember more how strong she was just over all in her life. She was an inspiration and at times gave me direction in my career when I needed guidance and I will be forever grateful.
I remember when traveling to California she took me to a restaurant where I insisted how much I hated shrimp, but she said I would change my mind. That after eating this special plate I would love it. That was the day I had slippery Shrimp……and I LOVED it. She will be forever in my heart and a better person because I had the privilege of knowing her.

I will miss you and I am so happy that I was able to spend some time with you in California. We were engaged for the transition of foreign items to Dallas with Bank of America. You took me to a chinese restaurant there in LA. Years later, I booked a cruise out of Long Beach and you were kind enough to meet me for drinks. I loved hearing about your world  and what Jack was up to next. you were so proud of him. I'll miss your updates about Ensenada and i shared how much i loved Cabo. Always in my heart and forever a friend

emmarosepowell: The sweetest person I’ve ever known ❤️

franck_verhaeghe: to the entire family: if it hurts a very good friend of hers so much I can NOT even begin to think how it must be for you.... Love UNCLE Franck. ( or Handsome in Melanie language)

everybody_loves_brisket: This makes me (and my humans) really sad. We shared love for bullmastiffs, good food, the Lakers, and amazing friends. You will be missed

sandyscrivner: Oh we are so sorry to hear this. A very lovely woman we were blessed to know and work with. Sandy and Theresa

skinner.bridget: Heartbroken

bradley568: So sorry to hear this

danahallesongs: So very very sad to hear this. What a special woman.

greerwylder: Heartbroken

mrlavis: Heartbroken. Melanie was an amazing human being. I am incredibly saddened to hear of her passing and send my deepest condolences.

wawenp: the most beloved❤️

luccibrasil: I will be there. Love you Mel, I will be forever your Brazilian ray of sunshine!

blackbuttaahhfly: Tears

Karin Burnap Costa: I’m so heartbroken. I adored Melanie. My thoughts are with the family.

Erin Dunigan: Oh no. I am so sorry to hear this. She was such a vibrant soul and so full of life. Sending much love from Baja.

Jack Powell: Melanie was such a kind, caring, and loving soul. Sending love to her family! Rest In Peace Melanie 

Christine Pizzutello: I am so sorry 

Regine Fauri Dauvilliers: We are so sad.... a lovely person. RiP Mélanie

Jenny Alaniz: I’m so sorry she was a wonderful person. Sending love and prayers to your family.

James Hughes: My condolences to family and friends. This is a shock to the system. 

Bev Messina: I am heartbroken and missing Melanie. My sincere condolences to her family, whom she loved so much - and to all her friends, who I know she had an impact on their lives. RIP Melanie 

Christen Laine: Rest In Peace. She was a wonderful friend to my mama

Marijane Midolo: I’m so sad to hear this sad news I will miss seeing pictures of her wine adventures. Hugs to her family and Bravo. If Bravo would like to come to swimming let me know I would be happy to take him 

Shirley Rodriguez Segovia: my deepest condolences to the family and all who loved her. she was a special person and i am honored to have known her. 

Marnie Hoffman: Oh no!

Carmina Serrano: My deepest condolences to her family, which she adored and all her friends. Mel was such a beautiful, kind person full of life. I am blessed to have had the privilege of calling her my friend. I  my Mel!

Javier Plascencia: I'm so sorry!! We will miss her so much! Such a beautiful soul! Rest in peace

Tracy Thiet Hipple: My deepest condolences. I worked with Melanie many years ago - she was such an amazing woman. I have enjoyed seeing her FB posts. 

Jenna Kapstrom Powell: Melanie had a deep, lasting, profound impact on me and my family. She will be deeply missed. I still will see or read something and my first thought is to ask her if she saw it. She will always be in my heart 

Jill Shapiro Archer: Jenna Kapstrom Powell I met Melanie because of you and so happy I did. So enjoyed the time spent with her. She will be missed 

Kevin Gough: prayers

Olga SanchezdelaVega: Oh Melanie! I love you so much! 

Christine Grammatica Hopp: I’m in shock, I just can’t begin to process this news. I’ve known Melanie since kindergarten and she was one of the kindest persons I know. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Dita Diaz: Until we meet again for our next bottle of vino. For now, I will extremely miss you. Love you Melanie Niemiec Woodworth  Besos

Luciana Mosconi: I will always have a special place in my heart for Mel, and I will always be her Brazilian ray of sunshine!!! It’s still hard to believe she is no longer with us, but now she a shine star in heaven. We will be there celebrating her life! My deepest condolences to the family, friends and Bravo.

Julie Roberts Klein: I’m in shock and so sad! I had the privilege of spending time with Melanie and her family at Bruinwoods. What a beautiful person inside and out!

Anne Neville Stauffer: My deepest condolences to Melanie’s family and all her far-flung friends. I had the privilege of working with Melanie for several years. There has never been a kinder soul. Mel’s love for her family, for life, and for the beauty of the world was bottomless. I will miss her so. 

Michelle Elaine Tull: This is still so heartbreaking  Michelle Elaine Tull

Andrée Jager: Ce fut une grande tristesse d apprendre la disparition de Mélanie. Nous serons en pensée avec vous sa famille et ses amis au mois d'août. Condoléances à ses proches

Mary Rembert: Oh Mel, my heart is broken  I still can’t believe this is real  I miss seeing your zest for life on FB. Rest in Paradise my sweet, forever friend 

Ricky Powell: Melanie was such a gift to so many of us. Our family cherished her friendship, love and kindness, always. Our hearts go out to her family and friends. Sending love and prayers. 

Dion Rainey: Wow! Very sorry to hear of Melanie’s passing. 

Dana Mishne Halle: Pup and food posts. Always kind and warm even if we hadn’t seen each other for a while. A real loss.

Valeria Paix Plascencia: Our valle queen. I cannot believe it. Our family loves you and will miss you so, so much. Thank you for such good memories, we loved having you and your family and friends at our restaurant, our forever vip Rest in peace Melanie, big big hug to the family.

Bridget Lehman Skinner: heartbroken

Jennifer Miller:My heart just broke into a million pieces reading this post. I will miss her and her posts on FB, I was just thinking I have not seen anything from her in awhile, she was always my hero as she would voice what I was thinking and always to afraid to say, I didn’t want the backlash. She will be missed by many as she was loved by all… not seeing her as much but always thought of her as a dear friend. Sending all my love to Victor and ack Will reach out on the gmail account too.

Jan Abel: I am so sorry. She was such a lovely supporter of animals. Hugs and prayers to her friends and family.

Suzanne Harman Plant: Omg my condolences to family and friends…

Merideth Fleener: My heart is so heavy, I’m at a loss for words. Melanie was a blessing to all that knew her and I’m lucky to call her my friend. Sending Prayers, love and hugs to Jack, Victor, Bravo and to her family and loved ones. I am so very sorry.

Cathy Hardeman: I am in complete shock. My deepest condolences to her family. 

Mary Matarazzo: So sad to hear

Arlette Neuman:Je suis tellement désolée , je pense à son fils Jack et son mari, mes sincères condoléances, je serai avec vous par la pensée au mois d'août, et je vais vous envoyer des photos de son passage à Antibes.. repose en paix Mélanie 

Franck Verhaeghe: to the entire family: if it hurts a very good friend of hers so much I can NOT even begin to think how it must be for you.... Love UNCLE Franck. ( or Handsome in Melanie language)

Adam DeVito: My heart feels this. She was so committed to her family and life. She will be missed and remembered with love.

Robert Hall: deepest sympathy

Ron Meharg: I am so sorry. She was an absolute joy to work with. My deepest sympathy and condolences. She enjoyed life so much and will be profoundly missed.

Daniel B Johnson: Victor and Jack I’m so very sorry for your loss. Mel was one of a kind to be sure, with a heart always full of compassion for anyone and and think. A true gift to the world. Her last joy is being reunited with her mother. I can sense that joy right now! And I know she wore just the perfect shoes.

Stephanie Wood Hunt: Heartbroken  

Steven Rimmer: Dear Woodworth family, I am so sorry for your loss. Melanie was a ray of sunshine that touched everyone she knew. She always had something kind to say. She will be dearly missed.

Deborah Frenette: My deepest condolences to her family.

Deserie Davis: Beautiful person!!! Beyond grateful to be her friend 

Doreen Reel: The Joy that Melanie brought to the world will never be forgotten! May you always feel her love & pride.

Lynn Kubach Simons: One of the best people ever…love to You both!

Shelly Gaertner Stately: I’m so sorry! What a nice lady!! 

Phong Dang: I am deeply saddened to hear about Melanie’s passing. I want to express my condolences to the family and friends for the loss of such a wonderful woman.

Angela Masich: Not a day that’s gone by since this tragedy that my heart doesn’t break for Victor, Jack, her siblings and the family. She’s loved by so many. I love and miss her so much. 

Patricia O'Brien: I am devastated by the loss of this dear friend. She truly was a very special woman and will be missed by so many of us. She loved life to the fullest - loved to travel - loved finding new and old interesting places to dine. Most of all she was a loving and caring wonderful woman. Miss you Mel.

Emma Powell: Will love Melanie always  Truly the sweetest and kindest soul

Mona Lindau: This is so devastating. She was such a source of joy. I miss her and her joyful facebook posts and her comments on Bravo.

Corrine Bartholomew: I am so so sorry for your loss 

Denitra Bynum: Oh no. Condolences to the entire family. Melanie and I played tennis together in high school. Prayer of comfort to the family.

Cameron Allen: My most sincere sympathy to Victor and Jack. I just saw this and am shocked and saddened. We spent five summers at Bruin Woods with the Woodworth’sMy daughter was in the same groups as Jack. I spent a lot of time with Melanie at the craft house, at meals, evening programs and more.

Rachel Davis Newhouse: Oh no!! So sorry!! Terrible news. Prayers to you all.

Lisa Goycochea Mittleman: Still in shock and truly heartbroken. Melanie was such a dear, kind friend. I’m so very sorry for Jack and Victor, her beloved family and many friends. We will attend the memorial.

Marena Padden: A beautiful, interesting, charming person. I am so sorry and sad for Victor and Jack's huge loss. She was one-of-a-kind. Big hugs. xo

Teena Uyeno: I am Devastated …To Victor and Jack and her family. So very sorry for your loss. Melanie was a light in a world of dim. I will miss her smile and hugs. Our Mom talks ….. GO LAKERS!! Until we meet again my friend. 

Holly Kincaid: We are so sorry  Big hugs to Victor and Jack  We are here for you always  Love you Mel 

Bobby Wright: Pam Appleby Wright and I were shocked and saddened to read about Melanie’s passing. Our hearts hurt right now but we send all of our love to Victor and Jack and family. Melanie’s bright light is shining from the heavens. We will be praying for you all.

Russ Rumford: I am shocked. I worked with Melanie at Bank of America for many years. I am so sorry to hear this. She is a beautiful person and I will miss her.

Geny Corrado: I'm shocked and so sorry. My condolences to you and Jack, Victor. Melanie's sweet smile and big heart will always be remembered. Rest in peace dear Melanie. My prayers for her and the family. 

We regret to announce that our beloved Melanie passed away on May 26.
In lieu of flowers, please send photos, videos, memories, and thoughts of Mel to MelanieDWoodworthMemorial@gmail.com. 
A memorial website will be created and shared here. All are welcome to attend her funeral on Saturday, August 27, at the Woodworth home from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Please let us know if you plan to attend via the email above.

Lamentamos publicar que nuestra muy querida Melanie falleció el 26 de mayo.
En lugar de flores, por favor manden fotos, videos, recuerdos y pensamientos de Melanie a
MelanieDWoodworthMemorial@gmail.com
Una página conmemorativa se creará y se compartirá aquí. Invitamos a todos a su funeral el sábado 27 de agosto, que se celebrará en su casa desde las 1:30 a las 3:30 de la tarde. Por favor, escríbenos si planea asistir por el antedicho correo.

Nous sommes désolés d’annoncer que nôtre très chère Melanie est décédée le 26 Mai.
Au lieu des fleurs, nous souhaitons que vous envoyiez des photos, vidéos, souvenirs et pensées de Melanie à MelanieDWoodworthMemorial@gmail.com
On en créera un site commémoratif et on le partagera ici. Nous invitons tous à ses funérailles le samedi 27 d'août, lesquelles auront lieu à sa maison. S’il vous plaît, écrivez au email susdit si vous avez l’intention d’y assister.