MELCHIONNA, Kathy Jean - It is with immense sadness and grief that we announce the passing of Kathy Melchionna, age 64, on June 24, 2021.
Born to the most adoring of parents, Ronald and Pansy Bell of Cambridge Ont. She was a twin to her big sister Karen (Errol) and a big sister to her ever-special baby brother Ron Bell (Kim).
Her early years were marked with the greatest memories that anyone could wish for, a home that was filled with love, encouragement and support.
Her Grandmother, Edna, played a significant part in her life and forever held a place in her heart. The devotion and care that brought her through her younger years was forever engraved in her soul, an attribute that she carried with her throughout her adult life.
She met a charming Italian at the age of 17 and her life forever changed. They married at a young age and enjoyed life to the fullest, 47 years of memories that she was forever grateful for. Ted and Kathy had the life that many dreamed of and they worked in the hospitality industry together and met many people who started as friends and ended up as family. Kathy spent her life working; there was never another person who worked the way she did. She and Ted owned and operated numerous businesses in the Dufferin and Peel Area. Notably, Tephil’s, Spot One, The Orangeville Convention Centre, Theodore’s Kitchen and Tk’s Catering.
Through these years of entrepreneurship she met many people, a special note to Tony DeLucia, who was more than a business partner, a brother, who she cared for deeply. A special thank you to Val and Pete Armstrong of Kitchener, who’s home became her own during her Holiday Inn years and beyond, as well as Fanny Novachis who became her lifelong friend and supported her especially during the last couple of years.
However, Kathy’s greatest accomplishment had nothing to do with a degree, successful career or accumulated material things. To become a mother was a long journey for Kathy, one that she never gave up on. Although she had dreamed of having a large family, she was blessed with a daughter, her only child. The love between Kathy and her daughter Ashley was unsurpassed, it couldn’t be measured, her attention, her dedication to her growth, her sacrifice for Ashley’s education, her life and motivation was all for her daughter. The loss felt by Ashley will take a lifetime to heal, however, she will spend it exemplifying Kathy’s honour. They had a beautiful life together, creating memories, traditions and in the end, Ashley cared for Kathy in the most loving and devoted manner imaginable. Ted gave Kathy the strength and ability to stop fighting and let God’s plan play out at the end, as she knew he would take care of their Ashley the way she did.
We would like to thank those who knew or met Kathy throughout the years and have reached out to honour her during this time. A special thank you to Lynn Jocham, a dear friend of 37 years, who was there for some of the most trying times and always a source of support and love. To her dearest Kathleen, thank you for promising to be there for Ashley. As well to Kris White, from her Johnston Controls cafeteria days, who went on to become a very special part of both her and Ashley’s lives. To her nieces, nephews, God children, cousins and all her family that reached out, she was eternally grateful but in too much pain to answer. However, it meant the world to her. We would like to thank Dr. Sekyi-Otu for his dedication to helping Kathy during the last 16 months. Although she had a short battle with Cancer, 60 days from diagnosis to passing, the months leading up to that was a very trying time, and Dr. Sekyi-Otu was the only Doctor who seemed to care enough to fight for her health.
Finally, we would like to take a moment to recognize the importance of the Palliative Care team at the William Osler Centre, Brampton Civic Hospital. The only thing that Kathy wanted after spending 46 days in the hospital was to come home. She prayed for this and by the absolute Grace of God, it happened. If it were not for the compassion and care that she received from the Palliative team, we would not have had the ability to bring Kathy home for 9 days. When Kathy was brought back to the hospital due to a severe stroke, Dr. Aveksha Ellaurie was our Palliative doctor on call. Thank you for guiding Ashley through this process, giving your time to explain what was happening, explain the details of her illness and help with the difficult decision to say that her Mom had enough. As well to Nurse Thamg, you exemplified what a blessing a nurse can be to the families entrusting their loved ones care to someone else. In the end, Kathy was surrounded with love, her Daughter Ashley, her selfless and loving twin sister Karen and her forever soul mate Ted holding her as she took her last breath.
In closing we, as a family, would like to say thank you to all of those who knew Kathy, loved her and will miss her. We are grateful for the family we have been blessed with, the friends that we are surrounded by and the gift of time that we were given with Kathy, although it wasn’t enough, it forever changed those who knew her.
A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be held at a later date, to be determined based on Covid-19 restrictions on gatherings lifting. Arrangements entrusted with Scott funeral home, Brampton chapel.
Proverbs 31:29 - There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all! “I’ll Love You Forever, I’ll Like You For Always, As Long As I Am Living, My Mommy You’ll Be”
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