We did it Melanie – pulled off the second Bare Naked Noggins Head Shave – what a success this was! To Melanie’s friends and family I know she was there with us in spirit! Again her influence has worked its magic and a amazing event happened. Here’s to you Amazing Grace forever young and beautiful!

Donna B

I was stunned to hear about Melanie. I first met her at River Park years ago with the lovely Gracie, who I adored. Melanie was still living in the bungalow near the park. Then life changed and she moved. Our long walks and chats became more serious. I’d been through a divorce and tried to give her words of wisdom during this very difficult time for her. I moved, we lost touch but on a trip back to the park, lo and behold, there they were! Things were better, Melanie had a new job and life was sunny again. I was so happy for her. The world has lost an incredible young woman and I am heartbroken for Melane and Faith and all who knew and loved her.

It has been far too long since we had seen each other, but that does not minimize the shock of hearing of this tragic loss. Her special smile and the positive drive she had to help our fellow mankind and world, was infectious and inspired others to follow. As I sort through this confusing chain of events,I can only know that I was privileged to meet Melanie – people like her are rare. She will be missed by those who knew her. My condolences are extended to her family and other friends who have not only lost a friend but a mentor who had helped so many people. Her karma is, I am sure, being spread to us from wherever her and baby Faith may be. And from that I take comfort for a heavy heart.

April

My heart felt condolences for your loss. Mel was a wonderful woman, full of grace and a sparkle in her eyes. I saw her a couple of weeks ago at a function and was unable to say hi. My loss! She was a member of Potential Place Clubhouse here in Calgary and was lovingly referred to as one of our complete success stories. Although she only was in here a few times over the years she did help many of our members develop their comic talents and teach us all the therapeutic use of humor in our lives. She will be terribly missed.

Gord Young for all the Clubhouse Members, Staff and Board of Directors here at Potential Place.

This is a great loss for every-one as Melanie truly made the world a better place.

To April Burnell and the extended family of a beautiful young person who made such a difference in the world. I met Melanie at the school where I was teaching when she came with her team to speak about abuse and how to help in such a situation. I met her again later when she was giving a Humour Workshop at the Epilepsy Associatoin and later as the volunteer co-ordinator at the Epilepsy Assoc. I am sorry we will not have the gentle blessing of her cheerful goodness in the world. May God bless each of your family as you grieve for such a special girl and all that was to be!

Sincerely,

Isobel Montgomery

Melanie Grace…was grace and an example to us all. I met Melanie 6 years ago during a tough time in my life and took the Cheers course. Her spirit and sincerity gave hope to us all. Over the years, I knew Melanie to always be a woman of kindness, patience, grace and acceptance. People felt better about themselves when they were in her presence.

Today I was driving and I pulled over and prayed a prayer for Melanie, her baby and her family and friends who miss her so much. Her life will continue to inspire us all. She will not be forgotten.

Bless you Melanie, we love you.

Bruce and I would like to say how deeply saddened we are about the loss of Melanie. Our prayers go out to the family.

Bruce and Linda Wilson

I just heard the tragic news upon my return to town!!! Although we lost touch in the past years, we shared some of life’s best moments, thruout the 80’s & 90’s & at the height of our youth. I am so very sorry about her passing. My condolences to her surviving family…

I met Melanie about 15 years ago at CMHA and was privleged to share work, heart beliefs and great Fun!

A bright spirit and brave soul who will be missed by many.

Kathy

My heartfelt sympathies to April and all who knew Melanie as my husband and I knew her – loving,fun, wonderful with our grandchildren and very warm as a niece and friend. I will always remember her in my heart. I will miss seeing her on my visits to Calgary, as well as her infrequent visits to Newfoundland. Most sincerely,

Jean Burnell

Melanie helped add a special spark of self-confidence and appreciation of true abilities to my little personal and professional world at a time when I was ready to use my ‘disability’ as an excuse to withdraw from a lot of my life’s challenges. Melanie didn’t withdraw from challenges, she laughed and loved all her special ways through them! She shared those ways of taking on challenges with the people she worked so wonderfully with and so hard for.

Thank you to her family for nurturing and enabling Melanie to be a person who made so many really good things happen. I hope your shared love and memories of her help you through the challenges of sorrow and loss.

We met Melanie a couple of years ago through the Epilepsy Association and I was instantly impressed by the beautiful light of her soul. She was a rare person – so funny, upbeat and loving. Melanie and Faith will remain in our hearts forever. Please accept our most sincere condolonces.

My deepest condolences. I knew Melanie from Westside King’s Church where her smile was always a blessing. As you know, she was such a delight to be around, and had such a positive influence on others. May you take comfort knowing that Melanie and Faith are now with our Lord, and no doubt has made God laugh several times already.

God Bless.

Don

I met Melanie years ago (late 80’s) volunteering at the Calgary Sexual Assault center. Melanie was a very kind, loving and supportive woman. She was a great friend. I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you.

Liane

I am shocked beyond belief that such a young, vibrant woman has died so suddenly. I met Melanie in the darkest time of my life after the loss of my son, David in 1998. Her & Derrick’s comedy program helped to lift me from that dispair and move forward in my life. From that time forward Melanie was a bright light in my life and I will always be grateful to have known such a optimistic individual who lit up every room she walked into. What a tradegy – Melanie will be missed greatly by all the lives she touched. My happy memories of all the fun times we shared will live in my heart forever. Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences for the loss of Melanie from someone who knows the pain and shock of a sudden death.

Sincerest Regards

Donna Bernreuther

It was my delight to meet Melanie when I worked at Canadian Mental Health Association many years ago. She was a wonderful woman with great compassion, understanding, and a good sense of humor. She and Faith will always have a special place in my heart. My condolences for your great loss.