Brenda Lynn Melanson
“The loss of a loved one is like the transformation of a butterfly. They leave behind the shell of the physical body and transform into something beautiful that can never be forgotten.”
HARVEY, MI – Brenda Lynn Melanson, age 58, of Harvey, passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022, at UP Health System – Marquette.
Born December 21, 1963, in Marquette, a daughter of Alexander and Lorraine (Durand) Garrow, Brenda, or Bren/Brendy as she was nicknamed by her friends, was raised in Marquette and New Hampshire. She graduated from Sanborn Regional High School in Kingston, New Hampshire. On August 2, 1986, Brenda was united in marriage to Arthur Dennis Melanson, Jr. The couple returned to the Marquette area in 1989 where they raised their family. For many years, Brenda was employed at Norlite Nursing Center, Brookridge Heights Assisted Living, and currently served as the Environmental Services Supervisor at UP Health System – Marquette. In her leisure, she enjoyed diamond painting, traveling, waterfall hikes, joking with her friends, and watching Wheel of Fortune and NCIS. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and loved watching grandson, Bryce, participate in basketball and baseball and was his most enthusiastic fan. She was looking forward to a trip this summer to Colorado to visit her youngest daughter and two granddaughters.
Brenda is survived by her husband of 35 years, Arthur; her children, Jessica (Jamie) Boyer of Palmer, Katie Ritchie of Colorado; “third” daughter, Anjelica (Peter) Stenglein, and Danielle Carr of L’Anse; her grandchildren, Bryce Boyer of Palmer, Kendra and Kaylin Ritchie of Colorado, and Charlie Stenglein of Skandia; a sister, Pauline (Jerry) Kivi of Harvey; brothers, Richard (Kaye) Garrow of Harvey, Allen (Kathy) Garrow of Gwinn, Clyde (Peggy) Garrow of Harvey, Chuck (Jane) Garrow of Harvey, Peter (Jennifer) Garrow of Manchester, NH, and Lyle (Donna) Garrow of Epping, NH; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; along with many friends including MGH OB/NICU nurses, Environmental Services staff, and friends at Brookridge Heights and Norlite. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander Garrow, Lorraine Poole, step-father, Paul Poole; son-in-law, Daniel Joseph Ritchie, Jr.; brothers, David and Mark Garrow; her best friend, Cheryl Fortin; and her dogs, Lily and Rusty, and cat, Spooky.
Spring interment will be made in the Sands Township Cemetery on June 11, 2022 at 12:00PM. This will be an informal time for the sharing of memories and conversation.
Donations may be made to Brenda Melanson’s Gofundme. The family appreciates everyone who has helped through this difficult time.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com
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