Melanie McTigue, 44 of Stittsville ON passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on October 21, 2023.
While her death was tragic and sudden, her legacy will live on in her loving daughter Celiah, her devoted mother Michele Rowe, her big brother Shawn Ebbs, dear friend Jeff Lalonde, as well as 7 nieces/nephews, a beautiful step daughter and son in law and 3 wonderful grandchildren (Yes! This gorgeous 44-year-old was a grandmother! We all blame her loving husband Geoff!)
Melanie will be remembered by a huge community of friends and colleagues in Ottawa, Kingston, and Mons, Belgium where she spent 3 years looking after the housing needs of many Canadian families as the Canadian Forces housing coordinator at NATO HQ SHAPE. On return from Belgium Melanie requalified as a realtor and was part of the team at Century 21 and then Coldwell Banker First Ottawa Realty. Wherever she went and whomever she met, Melanie made a lasting impression by her fabulous smile, warm personality, and deep concern for the welfare of others. She was easily recognized by her “quick” arrivals at showings in her black BMW which she loved so much.
She loved her Sunday/Fundays which she adored spending with her favourite people watching movies by a fire!
Melanie never lost her zest for life and its attractions! She still loved amusement rides at an age where the rest of us would really rather just watch. Her most treasured time of year was Christmas and she loved to celebrate it with the energy of a child. She adored the snow, lights, movies, music, decorations, trees and sharing it all with family!
Melanie had a passionate love affair with travel, great food (especially Greek), music, chocolate, and most of all time with cherished family and friends, and of course her pets. She never met an animal of any kind she didn’t love (except for those darned wasps), and they loved her right back (except for those darned wasps). For all of us that knew Melanie, we learned quickly she gave love the way it was intended: without condition or reservation, and with unbridled enthusiasm.
Our dear Melanie, your mom will hold you in her heart until she holds you once again in heaven.
A ceremony and follow on celebration of life will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave, Vanier ON K1L 8A6 on November 7, 2023 at 1pm.
Melanie’s family wishes to recognize and express enormous gratitude to the staff at Queensway Carleton ICU for their unmatched compassion, humanity and care. Melanie could not have been in gentler or more loving hands.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ottawa Heart Institute in memory of Melanie would be most gratefully received. In Memory - University of Ottawa Heart Institute (convio.net)
Digital Guestbook
Gerry Sewell
MacLean Family
Dear Geoff, Celiah, and Family,
I want to convey my deepest and most heartfelt condolences for your loss. Your beloved wife, mother, and cherished family member was a truly remarkable soul, someone who had the unique ability to infuse boundless energy and contagious positivity into the lives of those around her. My time working with her at SHAPE allowed me to witness the exceptional depth of her character, and the genuine connection she had with people. She was undeniably one of a kind, and the special place she held in her heart for you and your family was profoundly evident. During this incredibly challenging time, please know that my thoughts and unwavering support are with you and your family.
The MacLean Family (Justin, Kristie and Benjamin)
Alana Scott
My dearest Mel.
Why do the good ones leave us too soon? We were suppose to grow old together and be causing havoc in the nursing home together. Sipping wine and laughing at the fact we were the only ones with our own teeth and hiding dentures from everyone else watching them flap their gummy gums!
You were a light in my life. We had so many laughs. Shared so many tears… and so many fights, as sisters do, but never stayed mad with each other. You and I were more than best friends. We were family. We shared every secret with each other and knew there was no judgment. We knew that time meant nothing to us. We could go months without speaking, but knew if that phone rang and we saw our number we would answer and picked up right where we left off.
I owe you my life. You helped me leave a horrible marriage. You, Geoff and Celiah supported me through the darkest time of my life… but you were the arms holding me when I cried. You had this ability to always make me feel I was worth something. You made me laugh when I couldn’t stop crying.
We had something no one understood. And we never left each others side.
You asked me to be Celiah’s Godmother. And our last conversation a few weeks ago you told me you knew I would always watch over her. I promise you, I will Mel.
I will love you forever. I will love Celiah forever. I will always remember your laugh and the amazing memories we shared.
May your soul be at rest Mel. I know granny is holding you in her arms. You had a special bond with her, and she loved you.
I miss you so much. Je t’aime comme la lune et les etoiles 🩷 💫 💐✨
Eva O'Grady
Dearest Michele,
Words can't express how saddened I feel. I'm sure this is a nightmare for you. Please know that you have many friends here to support you in this very difficult time, me being one of them. It will be difficult for the next year with all the "firsts" without your little angel there to celebrate with you. But remember that Melanie gave you a beautiful granddaughter who will give you love, happiness and peace knowing that Melanie lives on through her. Stay strong, you will get through this. Big hug!
Eva
Lynn StAmour
I cannot believe this is really happening. Melanie was great woman in many ways and, so full of life. She called me her second mom. Dearest Melanie may you RIP and look over your family. 😘❤️
Jenn
Melanie will be missed dearly. I can attest first hand to her love of roller coasters, animals and travel. I traveled Denmark, Turkey, Ireland, France and the UK with Mel. We rode both the old wooden and the new high tech roller coasters at Tivoli in Copenhagen. She always treated my dog as well as her own, and he adored Mel too. I will cherish these memories. She was a good person.
Gina Ierullo
Michele, my sincerest condolences to you and your family on your sudden loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dominique Belanger
Mes sinceres condoleances Shawn et famille. C'est tellement triste et je ne peux qu'imaginer comment le deces de Melanie vous est dechirant. Je me souvient bien d'elle, petite fille souriante et vivace.
Mélanie Moore
I am very saddened by this news. My deepest condolences to you and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 💐💗😢
Chad Dyke
Words cannot express how lost for words I am. I am so terribly sorry for the loss of such a wonder soul. Melanie you were a wonderful person and so full of life a wonderful mother. I am so sorry that you were taken so soon. May you rest in peace. C I am so sorry.
I’m so saddened for all Melanie’s family at her all too soon leaving this world. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.