Melinda Clark Dying Wish and Lasting Memory

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my sister-in-law Melinda Clark. As you can understand, we are all heartbroken. She was given 6 months to live after a diagnosis of stage 4 colorectal cancer and lived nearly 5 years. She defied every doctor’s prediction and fought hard to cherish the remaining days of her life with my brother Ryan and their two amazing children, Ashley, age 12, and Olivia, age 9. She did not take her remaining time for granted and was grateful every day. Melinda fought this insidious disease with unfathomable grace and dignity. She never complained or asked, “Why me?” but, instead, focused on her family and what she could control. Melinda’s battle was excruciatingly tough, but Melinda was tougher. She fought so hard and tolerated years of the strongest chemotherapy, surgeries, and multiple experimental trials without complaint. She was singularly motivated by her love for her children, her husband, and her family. She did not want to miss one second of the remaining life she had left with them. Her family brought her such incredible joy and gratitude.

Everyone who met Melinda knew she had a zest for life which included spending quality time with her family and numerous pets. Melinda also loved to read and travel. Both before and after her diagnosis, Melinda took every available opportunity to take her family on adventures to farms, hikes in the mountains, and trips to Costa Rica. On one trip to Belize, Melinda rode a horse for over 8 hours despite a cancerous brain tumor and extreme pain to create a lasting memory for Ashley and Olivia. Melinda was beautiful inside and out, and words cannot express how much we will all miss her. Melinda will never be forgotten. All of us – her family and friends - feel so grateful and privileged to have been a part of her life.

The funeral arrangements are as follows: The wake will be held on Thursday, August 24th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Clayton- McGurr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road Freehold NJ

Funeral Friday, August 25th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriels Chapel, 549 County Route 520, Marlboro, NJ 0774600 N. Main St., Marlboro, NJ 07746.

In lieu of flowers, Melinda's wish was a donation made to a GoFundMe in support of Ashely’s and Olivia’s education.

We invite you to join us to celebrate the beautiful life of Melinda Clark and also help support Ryan and their daughters Ashley and Olivia; Melinda's mom and dad, Diane and Stefan; and her sister, Jennifer, and her husband Brian, as well as the Clark family.

There is a wonderful update to the cancellation of Melinda's life insurance policy. Penn Mutual did grant her appeal to reinstate her life insurance policy. The family is grateful for the company doing the right thing.