Born and raised in Lethbridge, Mel graduated from WCHS in 1967. She briefly worked at tastee freez before starting at AGT as a Telephone Operator, then 611 Repair Clerk. In 1971, she married Jim, her beloved husband of 52 years. They had two children, Alison, and Ryan, and Mel briefly left the workforce. When the kids started school, Mel volunteered in the classroom, eventually becoming an LSD51 employee, first as a Teacher’s Assistant in the special ed room and kindergarten, and at retirement, a Speech and Language assistant. She spent most of her career at Nicholas Sheran School. Mel then worked part-time as a circuit coach at Curves until her full retirement in 2017.

Mel’s strength, kindness, and love for family and friends, earned her the respect and love of all who knew her. Although she endured chronic pain and many health issues in recent years, Mel always remained positive and put others needs first.

Family and friends were especially important to Mel. She looked forward to her weekly Sunday dinners, coffee or lunch with friends, and spending vacations, special occasions and Christmas with family, extended family, and friends.

Mel loved to cook and was always looking for new recipes. Homemade chocolates for Christmas, which began with a lesson in chocolate making with sister-in-law Sheran, became a 50-year tradition.

There are many special memories of family vacations to Kootenay Lake and Disneyland/Disneyworld and camping at Waterton, Beauvais Lake/Beaver mines. Jim and Mel travelled to many places, but Mel’s true love was Costa Rica. For 18 years, a part of each winter was spent in Costa Rica, and Mel always looked forward to the next trip.

Mel is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Alison, son Ryan (Kali), grandkids Jordan (Jonny), and Ari, great grandchildren Kai and Luca, and little Pepper. She is also survived by her sister Rose (Clarence) Rhodes and their family, along with extended family – Sheran Leverick (George), Doug Aspeslet, Barry Ewing and numerous nephews and nieces.

Mel was pre-deceased by her parents Ralph and Hazel Lightizer, sister Gail, mother and father in-law Dorothy and Tom Ewing, brother-in-law Darryl Stuckey and sister-in-law Linda Aspeslet.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choosing.

A Celebration of Mel’s Life will be held at the ITALIAN CANADIAN CULTURAL CENTRE, 1511 – St. Edward Blvd. North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.