Melanie was born with a powerful set of lungs and from the time she was a little girl she always wanted to dance and sing. Although she was an unsettled baby she soon demonstrated a zest for life, an enormous capacity to love those around her and a gentle and giving spirit.

Every morning Melly would come out to the kitchen and crawl onto our laps.  She was always silent in the morning; she would never talk, just cuddle or eat. Invariably the first word she’d utter each morning would be “Omphray” in a very stern voice after her brother annoyed her yet again!

André and Mel were like twins.  At home she often played Maid Marian to André’s Robin Hood or was being tied to a cross for a ritual crucifixion at Easter time.  Much of her childhood was made up of doing ‘Shows’ for anyone who’d watch.  We had many ‘concerts’ with the Richmond boys and the Hewson girls. 

She always loved to sing and dance and make up little plays with her brother and sister.  She would sit in the kitchen cutting and pasting while she made up little songs that had no real words or meaning but just meandered on to epic proportions.

Melanie loved her dolls and would feed them and wrap them up and love them.  When Ashy was born in 1989, she had a real doll to love and to play with.  Ash, Mel and André have always been special to each other and it wasn’t long before Ashlee too would join in their special productions.

Melanie loved to use her body to express her feelings and emotions, or just have fun.  Her body yearned to move.  She was passionate about her ballet and loved creating new dances to explore the depth of her inner self.  Melanie adored the chance to peform in themany ballet concerts over the years, initially with Miss Sandra and latterly with Miss Anne.

She had a passion for learning, and finding out new things about the world fascinated her.  Strong friendships developed from Kindergarten right through to year 12.  Melanie was elected School Captain of Western Heights College in 2003. She did very well in her VCE and was awarded prizes for academic achievement. She had an unquenchable capacity to develop new friends and remain loyal to old ones. 

As she grew, Melanie’s love for music and singing blossomed.  At the age of 15 she began singing lessons with Marion.  Her taste and choices in music developed along with her voice.  Many of us have heard her sing.  The special quality of her voice and her gift for making each song her own, brought joy to many, many people.  For this we will always be thankful.

Mel loved the stage, starting as a youngster in the chorus at GSODA and graduating on to bigger roles over time.  This continued into the adult theatre world during 2004 with Oklahoma, Hair and Sweeney Todd in which she unfortunately didn't get to perform. Along the way Mel’s life was enriched by her friendships, all of which she treasured.

Melanie had the unique ability to share her faith with many, many people.  Her Confirmation, Christian Life Weeks and Easter Camp had a powerful impact on her faith and life.   She was often the ‘life of the party’ and liked nothing more than being crazy with her friends.  The faith and prayers of her friends also gave her strength, and courage, and peace.