MELANIE A. MALANOWSKI, age 44, died suddenly and peacefully at her home in Boca Raton, FL; beloved daughter of Susan Artz (nee Bird) (husband Hal Artz, deceased) and the late Joseph Malanowski (Sharlene Simerale); loving sister of Jennifer Nowak; cherished aunt of Riley and Delaney Nowak; dearest niece, cousin, and friend of many; devoted pet parent to Mia, Ty and many dogs over the years.
Melanie was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a 1994 graduate of Mayfield High School where she was a member of the cheerleading team. After attending Ohio University and Otterbein College, she moved to Columbus, Ohio. There she worked as an exercise rider, trained Olympic jumper horses and later became a professional jockey. From Columbus, Ohio she relocated to Alexander Arkansas then settled in Boca Raton, Florida. She worked at Jet Loan Capital in Jupiter, Florida as the operations manager. Melanie was a passionate animal lover. She fostered countless dogs and volunteered her time at many dog rescues. She worked with Paws and Pilots relocating families and dogs displaced by hurricanes. She loved to cook, do projects around her home, craft projects and was an avid gardener.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any animal charity of your choice in her memory.
Due to COVID restrictions, private services for family were held; burial in Lake View Cemetery; a Memorial Mass and Celebration of Melanie’s life will take place at a later date.
Arrangements by THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS.
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Tammy adkins
Sending prayers to malanowski family. She was a wonderful girl in high school. I am sorry for your loss may she Rest In Peace. I will miss her.
Christian Jackson
Jennifer and Sue,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know she will be greatly missed by many.
Christian
Melinda
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I knew her in AR by horses. Taken way to young. She was a Beautiful soul.
John Hire
Thanks for being a great friend.
Judy Hochhauser
Sue…there are no words to say how sorry we are for your loss…
Mark lauer & bosco patrick
I miss you love you opened your home and your life love and heart to bosco patrick and i on our endless transport and play run from hurrican irma. I miss you dearly my heart goes to your family rest with the angeld please watch and care for bosco in heaven and i will join you shortly xoxoxo
Dave Vano
My condolences. So sorry for your loss.
Sonia Graham
Melanie meant a lot to me and my family while living in Arkansas. She was dearly loved and will be missed.
Linda & Tom Maschke
So very sorry for your loss. Thank God for memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Me
I love you with all of my heart and soul
Molly Musca
Sue
So so sorry to hear of your daughter’s death. Treasure all of your happy memories. Tony and Molly Musca
Joseph Bando
A beautiful soul taken way too early. Sending love and light to everyone impacted by this tragic loss.
Stephen Holbrook
Jennifer and Sue,
I am so sorry to hear this news. I knew Melanie from college and I just can’t believe this. I lost my best friend in 2019 that also knew Melanie. It brings back a lot of bad memories. So so sorry.
Maureen Hajek
My deepest condolences for your loss. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Kathy Rosario
My deepest sympathies to Sue, Jennifer, and the family! Melanie and I were in the same graduating class in 1994. Feel fortunate to reconnect with her via FB and follow her adventures in AR and later FL. Gone way, way, too soon. Prayers of comfort for all of you during this difficult Christmas.
Frank Oravets
Dear Sue,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Christy Maschke
Hard to find words. Sending our thoughts and prayers to Melanie, her family and all who loved her.
Cindy Baumann
Melanie and I both graduated in the year 1994. I knew her pretty well and she was a great friend. I’m saddened to hear this news. We talked not that long ago on Facebook. My condolences go out to the family. Rest in peace Melanie you will be missed. Love you.
Matthew Hallman
I only met Melanie twice 5 years ago when I was referred to her by a mutual friend to apply as a potential dog foster. I was so impressed by her devotion to rescuing dogs and her incredible positive energy. I mean, her entire house was dedicated to her beloved dogs. She had 10 big dogs and one little miniature poodle. On that second visit to her home I left with the little guy, Spencer is his name. That was 5 years ago and what was suppose to be a 2 week foster, with Melanie’s help, became permanent. Spencer has never left my side since and I’ve been thankful for Melanie, an amazing woman who gave the gift of 4 legged love to so many families including mine. And so I thank you, her family, for sharing her with us. She is an inspiration to do good in this life.
Karen Ballway
Jen, Delaney, and Riley,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Jean Richardson (Uthe)
My sincerest condolences to your family. I was Melanie’s sixth grade teacher at Center Elementary School in Mayfield Village, Ohio. I remember her spunk, independence and determination as a young child. My heart aches for you. God bless you all.
Gail & Bill DeWolf
We are so sorry for your tragic loss. Melanie and Dawn had fun times together and at Mayfield Center School!
Candace Pascarella
I have an empty ❤. I will/always have u in my ❤. You taught n guided me through dog rescue. I became yout shadow. Never ever forget u, following up on your kids weekly! Meet u n the kids at Bridge, where we can all swim n play together..I LOVE YOU..❤ NANA
Mike
Sorry for your loss.
I always liked Melanie.
Tragic that she passed so young.
Ron Angie Jr
I recently learned of Melanie’s passing. My deepest sympathy and prayers to her family. Even though I was not close with Melanie in school. I remember her from the early years at Center School all the way to high school and graduating in 1994. I wish I knew she lived in Palm Beach County, FL. I reside in the adjacent community from her. I would of tried to contact her. She had a very accomplished life. Rest in peace, Melanie.