This article is part of the series “One Moment At A Time” about my family’s journey as we celebrate my mother as she bravely fought brain cancer. Feel free to subscribe below to receive periodic updates about our journey in your email inbox. Thank you for your continued support during this challenging life moment.
OUR NEW ANGEL IN HEAVEN
The outpouring of community support as a result of our mother’s passing has been incredible. While our hearts are broken, we know that Melanie is no longer suffering and she will now be with all of us always.
And it was evident on Monday morning, the first time daylight came up after she passed on Sunday evening. The sunrise was brilliant pink (one of her favorite colors) which led into numerous rainbow sightings around the area from Fort Wayne, Indiana, (with a double rainbow) all the way up to Montpelier, Ohio, 50 miles away. It comforted our hearts to know that she was letting us all know that she was ok.
The following information is provided to help all those that are able to celebrate Melanie’s life in the coming days and into the future.
OBITUARY
CLICK HERE for an online version of Melanie’s obituary.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Because the funeral is dedicated to Melanie’s family and family friends on Friday morning, we wanted to provide an opportunity for everyone to celebrate our mother’s beautiful life later that evening. It will be an evening full of love and joy to honor a person who made such an impact on thousands of lives as an educator and friend. We have many special surprises for the evening so we hope you and your entire family will be able to join us.
We know that all teachers look forward to Friday so it was only fitting to have a TGIF celebration for my mother as she always loved a good party. And, my mother’s parent’s would-be wedding anniversary is also on February 8th so this date has great significance in her life.
Here are some details to be aware of:
Date: Friday, February 8, 2019
Time:
- Doors open: 6:30pm
- Celebration Program: 7:00-8:00pm
- Mingle and refreshments: 8:00-9:00pm
Location: Montpelier High School Auditorium (1015 E. Brown Road, Montpelier, OH 43543)
Attire: Comfortable casual. Please wear your TeamMel T-shirt if you have one.
Post Celebration: We would like to continue the celebration at JJ Winns Restaurant & Lounge (13508 OH-15, Montpelier, OH 43543) after 9:00pm for those that would like to join us. JJ Winns Restaurant & Lounge is located within the Quality Inn Hotel – please refer to the Lodging section below for a discounted room rate.
CLICK HERE to mark your attendance on the Facebook event.
LODGING FOR OUT OF TOWN GUESTS
We know that Melanie has family and friends that will be traveling from out of town to attend the services to honor her on Thursday and Friday. We have arranged for a discounted block of rooms for both Thursday and Friday evening to be held at the Quality Inn in Montpelier. The discounted rate will be $69 per night. Please call (419) 485-5555 and use the group code “TEAM MEL” when making the reservation. We have been informed that the rooms have been recently renovated. CLICK HERE for hotel details.
MELANIE B. SUTTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
As we have laid out in the obituary, we would like to create a scholarship in our mother’s name to provide to a student that is interested in pursuing a degree in education or another field that will aid others. You will have the option to donate in person at the viewing and the Celebration of Life. However for those that would like to donate online or will be unable to attend any of the events, CLICK HERE to donate.
One moment at a time.
WOW, Melanie’s family is the true tribute to the woman she was & the angel she is! God Bless your special family!
Cory, you & your family have been in my thoughts & prayers♡. Your Mother is a precious Gem, her journey as she crossed over was beautifully written by you, her amazing son. Looking forward to celebrating her special life with you, your family & her sweet friends on Friday at the restaurant /lounge. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts & for opening up your heart. ♡♡♡♡ Erin Cameron Hospital, Angola, IN
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Although, I hadn’t seen Mel in many years, I remember her in high school and her wonderful smile and energetic spirit. I’m very good friends with your Aunt Jean & Uncle Tom. They have kept me updated since her diagnosis. My deepest sympathy to you & your family. The loss of a mother is something you never get over. It will lessen in time but never go away. My mom died of multiple myeloma 17 yrs ago, which at that time was a death sentence. Progress has been made with treatment but it is still has a low survival rate. My your memories sustain you during this difficult time.