Melanie was a wonderfully joyful person with an inner strength that was only matched in size by the smile she always wore. Fighting cancer for the past 5 months, her fortitude never waned as she could make anyone feel as though they could accomplish anything. Her faith allowed her to pass on peacefully. She had a passionate love of music and theater. She will be truly missed as a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. There will be a church service at Grace Reformed Church; 420 Columbus Ave.; Bakersfield, CA 93305 at 10am on Wednesday, June 9th followed by the committal service at Shafter Memorial Park; 18662 Santa Fe Way; Shafter, CA 93263.