Melody J. Welch (Young), 29, of Fairport, New York, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2022, after a short illness.
Melody was a loving and compassionate person and had such a way with children that it was no surprise when she earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and went on to teach pre-schoool children.
She was an avid reader with Harry Potter being her ultimate favorite. She also enjoyed camping with family and friends, hiking, skiing, and crocheting.
Melody met the love of her life, Eric, when she was sixteen and they were both working at Tom Wahls. They were never apart after that. They married in 2018 and welcomed James to the world in March 2021. She wanted nothing more to be a wife and mother and was able to stay at home with James from the start. They had an incredible bond that while no longer physical, will be there through the rest of his life.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jeffery W. Young and grandmother, Carol J. Young (Ophardt), and is survived by her devoted husband, Eric M. Welch and adored son, James M. Welch. Also mourning are her mother Karen (David) Raz, maternal grandmother Patricia Crudele, paternal grandfather, Wayne Young, in-laws, Randy and Carol Welch, aunts Kimberly (Michael) Newton and Julie (Jeff) Iler, and cousin Cody Iler. Many other family and friends will also miss her dearly. A loving and grateful thank you to Jeff’s widow, Erica Young, for everything she did to help care for Melody from the beginning.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Wilmot Cancer Center, Comprehensive Breast Care at Pluta, the URMC/Highland Hospital Palliative Care and Home Hospice groups. Though you only knew her for a brief time, you treated her with love, kindness, and dignity and for that we are forever grateful.
In lieu of cards or flowers, a 529 college fund has been set up in James’s name. If you would like to contribute, the family respectfully and thankfully requests that any donation be made through https://www.ugift529.com/ with code W7A-P62.
Per Melody’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Family and friends will gather for a private remembrance at a future date.
“The ones that love us never really leave us. You can always find them in your heart.” (Sirius Black)
Karen and family, I never got to meet Melody but I heard about her quite a bit since I was Karen’s coworker years ago. Let us treasure each day and make the most of every day and do our part like Melody did to be compassionate and loving towards other people. Although her life was short in years her impact was enormous. I remember the Tom Wahl’s radio ad that Melody was in years ago.
Our prayers and condolences go out to Karen, David, Melody’s husband Eric and beautiful son James and her extended family. She will forever be in their hearts❤️
Melody was a literal angel on earth. She was my sister’s best friend throughout the years and I saw her as a little sister as well. We went to school together as well as working at Tom Wahls. I never met anyone as beautiful and kind as her. She will be remembered. I know everyone will keep her memory alive and I pray that her son always know how much he is loved by her.
My son Loden Weeks & our family truly loved & respected Melody. To trust someone with their child is the greatest of respect in my opinion & we truly put every bit of faith & trust into Melody. She rewarded that trust exponentially. Melody showed kindness, patience, & just enough kick in the butt my kiddo needed & loved, I’m hurt to hear of her passing. She’s truly a great person who my family & I were lucky enough to have in our lives. My very best.
My prayers and condolences go out to Melody and her entire family during this difficult time. I was a classmate of Melody’s throughout our time at Avon Central School and we shared many laughs as our lockers were always close to each other. In class our assigned seats were consistently put together as well due to our last names falling at the end of the list alphabetically. Melody was such a happy, sincere and loving person that everyone deserves to have in their life. May James always know that she is with him, now and forever.
God Bless,
JS
Eric, James, mom’s and dad’s and family …
Steve and I are just heartbroken to hear of Melody’s passing and your loss. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Knowing she is not in pain will hopefully provide you with some peace at this difficult time. She will be with you, in your hearts, and watching over you each day.
🙏🙏