Celebrate Melanie's Life with Us

Melanie Irene

Melanie suffered from a global anoxic brain injury on December 15TH 2024. She was very sick that weekend and was having a hard time breathing. She collapsed due to not getting enough oxygen to her brain and organs which also caused a cardiac arrest. We gave her time to be able to heal, to give us a sign of cognitive thinking, but there has been no signs given that the Melanie we know is still in her vessel. We decided as a family to transition her to comfort care and the ball is in her court (as my mom would say).

Each and every donation would mean a great deal to our family as it’s going towards the cremation experience and celebration of life in Oregon and Missouri.

Growing up my parents loved being in the kitchen together, from brunch on the weekends when Jay and I had sleepovers to holidays, basketball tournaments at the beach, banana bread, snickerdoodle cookies, pancakes, breakfast before school (moms egg, cheese & bacon sandwich), family/friend gatherings, and a quick weeknight meal. Being surrounded by people we loved and cared for so dearly and sharing memories in the kitchen. A few of my mom’s meals that were our favorites were her homemade eggrolls, Chicago style pizza (Uncle Randy’s way), tuna casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, smothered chicken and her simple elbow noodle & broccoli bowl. Our mom also was very hip to all the fun kid movies, Jalen and I were always excited when it was movie night. My moms favorite movie of all time was Avatar, I truly couldn’t tell you how many times Jalen and I watched that with her. Between the people in the movie, there was a saying “I see you” and it was more meaningful than “I love you” it was a recognition for seeing all parts of you. Every nook and cranny within someone’s soul, we recognized between us three.

My mom had so much cheer for the holidays, it didn’t matter which one but her absolute favorite was Christmas. The colorful lights, the smell of a fresh Christmas tree, the snow (if we had any), cinnamon pinecones, cookies, cozy home, candles, and a delicious meal gathered by loved ones. To this day, she loved hosting in her space, this past year my mom was able to purchase her very first home and goodness gracious she was nervously excited to host Thanksgiving. Gosh, my mom was beyond proud of herself and her family was too.

Melanie shared core memories with older siblings James R. Gibbs and Candice Gibbs. They loved her so very much and had a deep bond between both of them throughout all parts of their lives.

Melanie loved being a mom, from the deepest part of her. Her first marriage was with Aaron and they met back in 1988, my mom was a freshmen in college and my dad was a senior in high school. They were together for 24 years. Not only was she the best mom to Jalen and I but she took in Julius which is our dad’s first child like he was her own. It didn’t matter, she loved and nurtured from the first day she met him. Creating core memories not only for Julius but for the whole family.

Melanie and her current husband Jerry shared their space with their husky Sheriff, who she adored and loved tremendously. Sherriff was the perfect fit for mom as he helped her feel a sense of calm and so much joy. She would talk Sheriffs ear off and he would do the same to her.

Melanie also took in Jerry’s children and cared/loved them like they were her own, because that is who my mom is. Melanie and Jerry were very close and this is taking a toll on him as well. Everyone who was able to know my mom, hold onto that gift and cherish her dearly. Her legacy was Creating core memories for all and we can all share that about her.

My mom loved to walk in nature, watch/play tennis, listen to music, ride the motorcycle with her husband Jerry, watch basketball, garden, shoot BB guns in her back yard, quality family time, drink coffee, do puzzles, play with her dog, go on adventures, travel, cook, read read read and read.

A very loving, healing, funny, kind, intelligent, sassy, independent and very easy going woman. Melanie is now with her dad Jim Gibbs and mom Carolyn Gibbs in heaven who she loves very deeply.

You will forever be our best friend, we love you mom.

May your spirit be free and be the light that guides us.

We see you.