•_________________________________________________________•
This is a celebration of Mélaine’s life,
Black Dress is not required.
•_________________________________________________________•
Memorial service Ealing
Memorial service will be held on the afternoon of Friday.
August 29th at St. Paul’s Church
Ridley Avenue, Ealing, London W13 9XW
Time of service 2PM.
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In honor of Mélaine I will not be posting until after the Memorial Services.
Rest assured there are many amazing things happening to Jay and I.
I will share them with you then.
So that we can have some idea of numbers, could you kindly let me know if you will be attending in London Ealing. Just drop me a note at the bottom of the comments, thanks ever so much.
No flowers or wreaths, thank you.
If you wish to make a donation to the American Cancer Society
or
Hope Lodge, please click the link below.
Select “Gift Type” Memorial to donate in Mélaine’s name if you wish.
Also please upload pictures you would like to share onto this site. I will be using many of them for Mélaine’s memorial service.
Mélaine is at peace. At 10:30 (local time, 11th August) Mélaine died. She stopped breathing and her heart beat on for a few more minutes. She was peaceful and we were all around her, proud of her and privileged to be there. We felt sure Mélaine could hear us and we spoke gentle words of comfort and love.
As you can imagine, there are things we need to do and arrange. There will be a memorial service for Mélaine – this will be in the UK (and quite soon, we hope). When the arrangements are confirmed (shortly) we will publish them here.
Now, it is time to grieve, to remember, and be thankful that Mélaine was in our lives.
From Peter and Avril
Everybody’s trying to tell me
What is right for me, yeah
I need a drink and a quick decision
Now it’s up to me, ooooh what will be (Chorus)
She’s gone, she’s gone
Oh, why
Oh, why
I better learn how to face it
She’s gone, she’s gone
Oh, why
Oh, why
I’d pay the devil to replace her
She’s gone, she’s gone
Oh, why
What went wrong Get up in the morning, look in the mirror
One less tooth brush hanging in the stand
My face ain’t looking any younger
Now what I can see
Love’s taken a toll on me (Chorus)Think I’ll spend eternity in the city
Let the carbon and monoxide choke my thoughts away
And pretty bodies help dissolve the memories
There can never be what she once was to me
(Chorus)
American boy in Indiana 
So sorry pal, Shes with the angels now.. Freinds leave imprints in your heart! My bestfriend recently passed away..
-Gill
So sorry Keith and Jay, and all your family. We wish you peace. Love to you.
Goodbye Mélu, you will be missed tremendously. xxxxxxxxxx
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bob and Emily
What a beautiful picture of the beautiful person Mélaine who touched our lives in many ways. We’re at a loss for words, but trying quite hard to smile through tears and hold you and all of M’s family and friends up in our thoughts and prayers as we share in our grief. Tonight, and always from this point on, as the Persiod Meteor shower blazes through the heavens in mid-August we will marvel and the beauty and magic remember Mélaine.
I can honestly say that I have not been touched by a patient like Melaine in the entire time that I have been a nurse. I do believe that she has set me on a mission and she came into my life for a reason. I now truly know the reason I became a nurse. I will fight tooth and nail for others like her however always in her memory!
You all know I am just a phone call or e mail away. You have no idea how you have touched me, or rather how melaine has touched me and you guys just came along for the ride!
I truly am blessed for have knowing you all. You will all live forever in my heart and soul!
Always,
Juliann
My heart aches and my eyes are moist just now. My soul feels somehow stronger, richer, fuller though.
Our lives were graced for the briefest of time by Mélaine’s presence. We have taken note of just how fragile our so called lives can be as a result of the brevity and randomness of her life and passing.
Our humble oakdale microcosm will forever be embellished by the events of the last few months.
Arms open and shoulders at the ready,
Earl
Our love and prayers go out to you Keith,Jay & your family at this sad time.
Melaine is with the angels now and so is at peace, where she deserves to be.
Melu has done what she set out to do in her life and that was to bring joy and laughter into everyones lives.
Goodbye Melu you will always be in our hearts and sadly missed.
Love Tracie,Joe and Emma
This world will be a bit less bright without Melaine, though Heaven is surely rejoicing. Bri and I send our love and prayers. We were the more blessed having known her. To Keith and little J, we are here for anything you need. Keith, I sent you an email on your mac account, as I wasn’t sure if you’d be traveling. Sending our deepest love through the sorrow, Mike and Bri.
Dear Keith and Jay,
We were sorry to hear of your great loss. We pray that the Lord will bless you with His comfort and keep you as you greive over the loss of Melu, Mum.
Fondly,
Michael and Valerie Eads
Our hearts are so heavy, and eyes so wet! Being 2,000 miles away from you is difficult when all we want to do is give everyone a great big bear hug! Six of us … Rich and Marie (Mom and Dad), Wendy and Allen (sister), and Jamie and Donnie (friend) had dinner together at the corner Chinese diner Happy Gourmet and lifted a cup of tea in Melaine’s name and honor, and shared stories that made us smile and cry and laugh. When we called Nancy & Tom, they too had a Chinese dinner tonight! Coincidence? I think not! One of Melaine’s favorite restaurants was the Chinese Yen Ching in Ft Wayne. We will keep this blog in our hearts. It told of everyone’s anguish, everyone’s love, everyone’s joy at having known Melaine, and at our anticipated loneliness through the next weeks months and years. Dearest Melaine, we will miss you terribly. You brought so much joy to our lives, and it will live on through Keith and little Jay. We love you always.
Mom and Dad
Keith, there just aren’t words. Thoughts are prayers are with you and Jay. I am sad I never met her, but all I have read here makes me feel like I did. She was obviously an amazing woman.
Doug R
Keith and Family,
Words arent enough to express our sadness for your loss of such a beautiful, vibrant, child of God. We know she is with our Lord and Savior and that is the only comfort we as humans have to hold on to. You are in our prayers as you greive, and celebrate her life. If we can do anything to help you through this loss, please let us know. Her bright smile and huge love for all who came in contact with her will be missed.
We love you Keith and we are here for you,
Blessings,
Todd and Kristine Vorhauer
Keith, All,
“Death is not the end,
Death can never be the end.
Death is the road,
Life is the traveller,
The soul is the guide.
Our mind thinks of death,
Our heart thinks of life,
Our soul thinks of immortality.”
With love and support,
C
I am so terribly sad and sorry for your loss. Melaine was such a beautiful person, inside and out, and a true inspiration to us all. Lots of love to you all.
Love Helen, Clive and Millie xxx
im ever so sorry – such a beautiful person. wish you all the best in this difficult time. Lucia xx
Keith, Jay & all Family-
Although we will certainly miss Melaine, our grief is for you. Melaine has certainly earned her angel wings. We feel thankful to have known her. You know we are here for you anytime.
Love,
the Sweigerts
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10
What a wonderful picture of such a gracious lady. Melaine was such an intelligent and wonderful person. I will miss her greatly and am grieving with you, Keith. I look forward to seeing you soon.
The Fort Wayne blogosphere is an emptier place with her.
Keith, that is a beautiful picture of Melanie. I just want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
“When we asunder part, this thought will soothe our pain;
that we shall still be joined in heart, and one day meet again.”
Praying that you will find in your hearts the peace and love that now enfolds Mélaine.
Love,
Melanie
Keith, I am so sorry for loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
Dear Keith & Jay
We are so sad to hear this news and I still can not believe Melaine is gone… we pray that God will comfort you and give you the strength to get through this difficult time.
I feel so blessed to have known Melaine – although I have only known her for less than a year, it feels like I have known her all my life…. She has touched me in so many ways, and in this short time, I have learnt so much about life from her….. Thank you Melaine, I will miss you…. and I will remember you for the rest of my life…
Keith, Please let us know how we can help…
Lots of love, hugs and prayers
Gita
Dearest Family,
Blessings and peace to you on Melaine’s passing. This hymn has been running through my brain all day, so I send it to you.
God be with you til we meet again
By his counsel guide uphold you
In his arms securely fold you
God be with you til we meet again.
Love and comfort,
Aunt Judy
We really appreciate the the times we got to enjoy with Melaine. We love you guys and we’re right around the corner. We’ll miss Jay’s Mom, “the lady who talks like a queen”.
I keep on reading the blog again and again, hoping stupidly to see some change like a movie you won’t want to end up this way.
Unfortunatly we are kind of left alone with our thoughts and grieve…
Each time I met Melaine it was always for a great and quality family time. I said to Peter how I wish I could be like her because she was so pretty, young, cheery, a lovely caring mum with such a cute son. I ‘ll always keep on thinking of her that way and she would remain in my heart the amazing person and mum I should try to become. She’s been incredibly brave , she really was an example for everyone .
Dear Keith and Jay,
Melaine was such a beautiful person inside and out and her smile and legacy will live on. We are grieving with you from afar. May you find strength and hope in the memories of happy times with your beautiful, beloved wife/mother/teacher/friend.
Our love,
Bruce & Lori
Der HERR segne dich und behüte dich;
der HERR lasse sein Angesicht leuchten über dir und sei dir gnädig;
der HERR hebe sein Angesicht über dich und gebe dir Frieden.
Dearst Melaine,
I will sorely miss you, Dear Heart. You fought valiantly. I prayed for you diligently, and had others around the Earth doing the same.
While I regret that you didn’t receive the miraculous recovery that we all hoped for, I am glad you are now in the presence of the Lord Himself, and no longer in physical pain and suffering.
We will not be far behind you, in the grand scheme of things, and will once again laugh togehter and enjoy being with eachother in the Kingdom of God.
Personally, my life was enriched having known you, and is now a bit lacking due your absence. I thank the Lord that you were a part of my life having been the bride of my good brother, Keith.
I promise you that I will continue to pray for our Keith and your little Jay, that the Lord strengthen and comfort them, and keep them in His Peace.
Bless you in the name of the Lord, Our Melu’. Until then,
Respectfully, in His Service,
Haake
Dear Keith and Jay
At the age of 12 I had the honour of being invited to be melaines best friend, any one at clayesmore prep well tell you that was a big deal, I think it lasted 6 months before we broke up!! Come senior school things didnt got so well, but i just dug out my year book and Melaine was beautifully honest as always, she wrote “though we’ve had our differances i reckon we ‘ve done ok and come through the hard times, maybe with our pride dented but I think with a stronger friendship”
To have lost such a beautiful and amazing person in heart wrenching. But you were touched be someone special, and for that you are forever blessed.
Dear Keith,
Words failed me when I learned of Melaine’s death and they still do. She was always a much needed breath of fresh air during our time together in Germany. Despite my futile attempts to get her to ‘trade up’ (to me) I knew she loved you with all her heart and soul and counted myself privileged to see such love in action.
Please accept my most sincere sympathies and know that if you need me during this difficult time, I will surely be there for you and your family.
d.
Dear Keith, You have never met me. But I recruited Melaine some four years ago (I think) to be a tutor at the Literacy Alliance. What a vibrant presence she is! I can’t use the past tense because I work at Erin’s House for Grieving Children where we believe that with death, our relationship simply changes from the physical to the spiritual.
In the very little time I knew her, she was so willing to help me in my new career as a trainer; giving me a number of materials and books to learn from. And she barely knew me -!
She brought your beautiful son Jay to a number of Literacy functions and wow, he possesses her spark.
My condolences and warmest regards to you, and Jay and your family. If there is anything I or Erin’s House can do for you sometime in the future, please do not hesitate to call upon me.
Kathleen Benson-Chaney
Although we met Melaine just once, we know her much better than that because of the love and regard of the rest of the family for her.
I have always taken great comfort in the words of Gordon Bok’s “Turning Toward the Morning,” with the chorus:
Oh, my Joanie, don’t you know
That the stars are swinging slow,
And the seas are rolling easy
As they did so long ago?
If I had a thing to give you,
I would tell you one more time
That the world is always turning
Toward the morning.
Even when grief has darkened everything, we continue, and after the darkness comes the dawn. We hope that for you and J, the world does turn toward the morning.
Justus David and Joyce Naumann
Dear Keith,
I was so sorry to hear about Melaine. I knew her at school. I know we’ve never met but my thoughts are with you and your son. I have recently had a little boy and I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through.
I know I have some lovely photos of Melaine from school from our 6th form ball (she looked beautiful & as elegant as always) and maybe some others and as soon as I can, I will track them & a scanner down & get them to you.
Warmest wishes,
Maya
Keith:
I remember the evening you and Melaine first met and it was so cool to watch two such extraordinary people fall in love. It was a magical beginning to a magical relationship. Little Jay is proof that God doesn’t make mistakes. We regret we are not with you now to offer our personal support, but we will continue to think of you often and will look forward with anticipation to the time we can see you. We are at your service at any time.
With prayers and our deepest sympathy for you and your families.
Jim & Carmen Keene
Keith,
When I heard the news about Melaine, I was shocked and stunned but most of all deeply saddened. The memories I have of you two were always so vivacious. Whenever Melaine was around, you were always smiling and happy. After all the years you two have been together, I cannot imagine you not having her next to you now.
All the fests and shows that Karen, Melaine and some of the other significant others went to on a routine basis made our “jobs” that much more fun. I could expound, but I think you can think back on them!!
Karen and I will never forget the time we were able to share with you two. We send our deepest sympathy and warmest regards to you and your son – and the rest of your families. I know we have not remained in touch as our lives had taken a different turn. However, if you need anything – a friend to talk to or anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.
Take care, my friend and may God rest her soul.
Tim and Karen Ketcham
Keith,
We haven’t met but I’m a friend of Luc’s. I sat next to Melanie at Luc’s wedding and even though it was the only time we met she left an amazing impression. My deepest sympathy and regards go to you and all the family. I will be attending the memorial on the 29th. Look forward to meeting you.
Gavin Conway
Keith, we will be coming down from Edinburgh, for the memorial.
Peter and Ingrid
Dear Keith,
I was at Clayesmore school with Melaine and had the pleasure of being one of her close friends for a few years – it was a privilege to be part of her life if only for a short time. She was an amazing friend and even at the tender age of 14 possessed great poise and maturity as well as endless kindness and compassion. She used to write fantastic romantic fiction stories, in the style of Mills and Boon novels, which we’d read aloud in the dormitory. Her heroines always ended up with Mr Perfect and I’m glad you were able to spend many happy years together, just like her characters.
You and your families are in my thoughts. I will be attending the memorial service on the 29th.
Goodbye sweet Melu.
Lucy
Keith,
We haven’t met before but my family have know Melu and her family for many years. My Mum is very good friends with Ann, who is also my Godmother. I also attended Clayesmore, aged 15 and a few years older than Melaine, and will always be grateful for her just checking on me occasionally to make sure I was ok. I remember how caring she was towards everyone and her amazing and contagious smile.
My deepest sympathy, love and support to you, Jay and your family at this time and always. I will be attending the Memorial Service with my son.
With Love
Sarah
Keith
Thinking of you, Jay and the family at this time.
I shall be attending on the 29th.
Mark
Hi Keith
All of you are in my thoughts. I have only the fondest memories of Melaine from when i knew her in Germany and she kept Luc and I in check as we drank too much beer, to when I saw her, looking so good at Luc’s wedding.
I will be there on the 29th.
Simon
Keith,
I have had the pleasure of knowing Melu for most of my life (my parents met Anne & Peter back in the early 70s) & more recently have followed her adventures in the US on her blog.
My most heartfelt sympathy to you & Jay at this time.
I will be attending the Memorial Service with my husband & daughter. My parents (Lynn & Stuart) will also be attending.
Love
Sam
Mike and Debbie Geary (ex Clayesmore Prep teachers ) will be attending the London memorial service along with Trevor Cooke, Ex Clayesmore Deputy Head and Margaret Cooke who taught Melaine when she was very little in the Clayesmore Pre-Prep. All of us have fond memories of the girl with the stunning smile and dimples in her cheeks.
I only met Mélaine once at a university function, but she seemed (to quote my Glaswegian granny) to be full of “vim and vinegar,” and I was charmed and delighted at even our one brief encounter. I pray that you and your son will find the consolation and strength you need in these dark and difficult days now upon you. As we pray in the Byzantine liturgy, “Vichnya Pamjat'”–may her memory be everlasting!
Hi Keith,
I’m another friend of Luc’s from our time in Germany with very fond memories of Melaine, right about the time you guys met I think. I’ll be there on the 29th to celebrate her life. Keep the faith.
Pete
My heart goes out to you all and Alice, William and I will always remember the beautiful Melanie, so brave, I will be there at the memorial service at Ealing on the 29th
To Peter, Anne and Luc and Keith and all the family we send our love and thoughts and will keep the memory of Melanie in our thoughts and her courage and beauty always.
Penny xxxx
Dear Keith & Jay,
I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you or your son, but I am a friend of Luc’s and so have had the pleasure of spending some time with Melanie.
She was an amazing woman, I only got to see her in the role of sister, but she certainly managed to keep Luc on his toes, and had a wicked sense of humour!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jay and all of the family.
I will be attending the Memorial Service on the 29th to share in the celebration of Melanie’s life.
Ben
Dear Keith,
Although I am sure you have not heard of me I want to say a few words about the very special dear Mélaine whom I had the privilege of being good friends with whilst in the Sixth-form at St. Swithun’s, Winchester. I will never forget the warmth, generosity, kindness and sense of fun Mélaine had… She is one of the sweetest and most considerate girls I have ever met – a real example to us all. I always remember thinking on the day she arrived at school, what a beautiful girl she was with such a stunning smile that literally lit up the room. I always admired her elegance and sophistication, the air of serenity she possessed. She was poised and graceful, so wise and mature compared with almost any of us at school. She really stood out from the crowd in only the most positive of ways. I am only sorry not to have been able to tell her how highly I regarded her and to thank her for being such a wonderful, compassionate and solid friend to me even over such a short time. I do wish I had known she was ill to say goodbye but even more do I wish that I had never ever lost touch with her whilst at university.
I can only imagine how extremely difficult and very upsetting this time must be for you, Jay and all of her close family and friends. Words cannot express how sad I am for you all, at this huge loss. I can only say, that even after 13 years, and only having known her for 2 years properly, the impact she had on me was significant, I’ve never met anyone like her since, so, I am sure she will live on in you both, as some comfort.
Warmest wishes and fondest thoughts,
Nadine
Hi Keith,
I will be at the memorial service on the 29th.
Take care,
Ben.
Our deepest condolences,
Although she’s with the Lord now, we all are going to miss her.
Ewa and Yurek Hinz
Hello Keith. My sisters (Sam Burch and Sarah Moralee) have pretty much said everything i could try and say but Melu’s death at her young age (just 6 months younger than me) is just so sad i don’t know how to express it nor how to offer words of comfort to you and Jay. I haven’t seen Melu since your wedding but the Melu we knew as a family when we were younger was fantastic. I will be there in Ealing on the 29th. Regards Simon.
Hi Keith,
Thinking of you, Jay and the rest of your families at this sad time. I will be attending the memorial on the 29th.
Louise
Just to let you know I will be travelling down from Newcastle to attend the service in Ealing.
Rae
Keith,
In deepest sympathy, you and Jay and your extended family are in my thoughts. I worked with Melaine in AZ for a couple of years–she was always so warm & open. She had an amazing style and sense of humor! She will be desperately missed, as she had an impact on all whose lives she entered!
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” ~Kahlil Gibran
Dear Keith & Jay,
I am so sorry…
I too worked with Mélaine in Scottsdale, AZ for several years. Last year, we met up in DC to catch up again. I was telling her about my training for a 1/2 marathon through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I had no idea how relavant a conversation that would turn out to be. As of today, I have signed up for the Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon in Phoenix, AZ. I will be raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and be running in her honor. She had a beautiful soul, was a wonderful friend , amazing writer and had such a kind spirit. She is so missed and I will never forget the impact she had on my life.
Dear Keith,
Like so many others, we have not met, but I wanted to express my sorrow at hearing the news of Mélaine’s death this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
I met Mélaine while she was working for Prudential in Scottsdale and I was working for its sister office in London. I learned tons from her and know I became a better account manager by her gentle guiding hand, great sense of fun and zest for life.
I also had the great pleasure of working with Luc when he also worked in the London office at Pricoa . Both are such amazing people!
Mélaine and I used to swap stories of our lives and experiences – with her being an English girl living in the US and I being an American girl (from Greenfield, Indiana) living in the UK….there was always an adventure to be told and she had a magical way of telling a story which made you feel as if you had been right there with her.
Having read through the entries on her website, I see it is a gift she has maintained even through the darkest of days. I am and will remain in awe of her courage, humour, honesty, compassion and the love she had for and shared with you, your son, and her family and friends. She was, is and will always be one truly remarkable lady who blessed our lives for far too short a time.
I would like to share the following with anyone who is feeling the same sadness that I have by her ‘loss of sight’.
‘What is dying?’
A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon, and someone at my side says, “She is gone”.
Gone where?
Gone from my sight, that is all; she is just as large as when I last saw her.
The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her.
and just at the moment when someone at my side says “she is gone”, there are others who are waiting and watching her coming, and other voices take up a glad shout, “there She comes!!”……..and that is dying.’ ~ Bishop Brent
I will be honoured to attend the memorial service being held in London to celebrate Mélaine’s life on the 29th August.
best wishes,
Lori Elmore
Hi Keith
JR and I will be at the memorial service on the 29th.
Thinking of you,
Love
Sue
Keith,
I will be at the memorial service on the 29th. My father, who taught Mélaine at Clayesmore Prep also hopes to attend.
Oliver
Hi Keith,
Of course I’m coming on the 29th. Am hoping to be able to find someone to look after Isabella for me, but if not, we’ll hide at the back!
Cath x
we have only tonight heard the news of melaine’s passing. junko and i are sad beyond words. we will always remember having the family over our place when we first moved to indiana, and i cannot forget the last time we saw melaine and her beautiful smile and upbeat personality. for someone we had only briefly knew she made the largest of impressions. we are truly sad tonight.
steve & junko
Keith,
So sorry for your loss. As someone who lost his mother at a young age, I can say your son is lucky to have a father like you during this tough time.
-Matt H-T.