With her head on my shoulder Melanie passed into the presence of our Lord the night of January 20, 2020. It was the most profound and peaceful event I (Bob) have ever experienced and will never forget. Her wish to remain at home to the end was honoured for which I am grateful.
Melanie was born to Bill and Teresa Leach in Hagersville Ont. Nov 25, 1957, the youngest of three girls.
She is survived by her devoted husband Bob, loving daughter Jodie (Tyrel) Graham, grandchildren Cyprus and Savannah who’s love for their “Nanny” goes beyond words. An estranged daughter Leisja and grandsons Riley and Kaeden. Sisters Heather (Al) Weber, niece Christy, nephew Grant and families. Ruth Ann (Bruce) Petrie nephew Joey, brother- in-law Bill (Debbie)Melnyk and sister-in-law Maureen (Russel) Taylor nephew Jack.
Melanie’s faith in God and where she was going brought strength and comfort to us through her almost 5-year journey. We enjoyed many endearing and enjoyable times with family and friends. Not every day was a good day and on those days we sheltered in God’s arms, knowing He would sustain us. We embraced and treasured the good times giving thanks. Every day was a choice of how we would face it. We chose to do “life” normal just like most everyone else. Melanie always put her concern for others ahead of her own needs sometimes to her detriment. She was my lifelong compass for the other point of view, giving me a picture I did not always see. For that I will be eternally grateful.
Melanie loved life. She enjoyed camping, kayaking and hot dog roasts with family. She also loved her yard, adventures with Jodie and her kids, taking pictures and being home. Her Church family (Baptist) was very important to her and her willingness to serve was paramount. She was very involved in decorating and wanted the church to be appealing and welcoming to all who came. Her love of worship and attention to detail made her a valued member of our worship team. I had the privilege of playing alongside of her for close to 20 years. Melanie was everyone’s biggest supporter and showed us love in action in everything she did. She will be greatly missed, but please let her life be an example of truly living, by loving God, remembering to play no matter your age, and not holding hard feelings for anyone; rather, loving with everything you are.
The family would like to thank Dr. Macleod, the lab techs at Queen Victoria Hospital; doctor’s Hardy, Rankin and Cunningham at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and the amazing team at the Cancer center in Vernon. You are an amazing team who work in such a surreal environment always on your game who treat people with compassion and respect. Also thank you to Melanie’s friends who upheld her in prayer and supported her on this long journey. Melanie was a strong supporter of children in need. For those who would like to donate in memory of her Compassion Canada PO Box 5591 PS B CSC London Ontario N6A 9Z9 was her favorite charity.
There will be a celebration of life in the spring date to be announced.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to Melanie’s family by viewing her obituary at:
www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.
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