Melanie Ann Sharp, June 2, 1963 – December 20, 2022. In the peaceful, early morning hours of December 20, when the sun was readying itself to rise on what was sure to be a busy day, Melanie, a loving and caring wife, mother, bop, sister, aunt, coworker, and friend, unexpectedly passed away at home. Home, her favorite place to be. For Melanie and Dave didn’t just build a house, they built a home, warm and inviting, open to all who knocked.
Melanie cherished all things family. It didn’t have to be a major event, after all, what would she wear? More so, she lived fully in the little things: sunsets, walks on the beach, bookstores, coffeeshops, apple picking, small businesses, anything autumn, watching Bodhi’s games, any time with Megan, to name a few. She was wise enough to know the little things added up to the big thing – life. Her heart overflowed with love for her little family, first and foremost in everything she did.
She was unbelievably talented. She didn’t craft as much as designed. Her attention to detail was impeccable, the thought she put into everything she did unsurpassed. A simple card was a work of art, a wrapped package, a gift in itself.
Her home away from home – Schoops in Michigan City, will never be the same. It was not unusual to find her wiping tables, cashiering, decorating, catching up with repeat customers at their table, or slipping a treat to someone. If you worked for her, know you were mentored well, she had nothing but your best interest at heart.
She worked hard not only at a job, but at relationships. Therefore, leaving behind many shattered hearts. Specifically, her husband and best friend, David; her pride and joy, daughter Megan (Thierry) Lyles; her little loves, grandchildren Bodhi, Luna, and Lev; siblings George (Liz) Owczarzak, Jennifer (Larry) Szafasz, Jeff (Megan) Owczarzak, Alison (Bill) Fingar, Tim (Karen) Owczarzak, Mark Owczarzak, Monica (Fred) Rost, and Sharon (Kenny) Konopasek; in-laws David and Bonnie Sharp, Marc (Sue) Sharp, Brad (Julie) Sharp, and Garrett (Shannan) Sharp. Many nieces and nephews who adored her. Preceded in death by her parents, George and Jeanette Owczarzak, who were no doubt waiting with outstretched arms.
If you knew her, you were lucky enough. If you didn’t, know the world lost a good one.
Melanie lived by “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” (Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince.) So, this Christmas, hold your family a little tighter, gather a little longer, feel with your heart, and know that angel atop the tree represents another good soul gone way too soon.
All our love, you will be so very missed…
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., with a memorial service from 4:00 – 4:30 p.m., and additional visitation from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. all at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Melanie’s family to be used for the education of her “little loves”, her beloved grandchildren.
GUESTBOOK
No words can express the sorrow I felt when I got the call to let me know Melanie had passed away. I was shocked and stunned. For days following the news, I kept saying, this can’t be real. It still doesn’t seem real. I’ve known Melanie for a long time. She was part of a group of girls that bowled, played bunch, took day trips full of fun and laughs together. My heart goes out to Dave, Megan, the grandchildren, siblings, & all her family & friends. You were taken much too soon but the time you were here, you left an impact on everyone who loved you. I will always remember you and your beautiful kind sole. I will miss you deeply. R.I.P Melanie. -Love, Gayle Parsanko
In times like this, I know there is nothing that I can say to take the hurt away. Just know that the pain will lessen, and the precious memories will always remain. I will be praying for healing and strength for all of you. -Steve Bradley
My condolences to the Sharp family. I will miss the conversations with Melanie at Shoops hamburger. Heaven received another angel, RIP my friend. -Fairal Warren
Keeping your family in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. -Jeff & Penny Holme
Like everyone else I am still in shock like all of her loved ones are. I am so very sorry for this incredible loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers daily. My heart aches for all of you. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you and lift you up. -Debbie Bollhorst-Dallas
May the Sharp family give their condolences for the passing of Melanie Sharp. -Larry R Irvin
When we met she said we were going to be her new best friends and we definitely were. Words just don't seem enough to express the loss her family and friends are experiencing She was a bright light. Our deepest condolences Dave, Megan and family, Sending love hugs and prayers. -Jeannine & Al Alonzo
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. God has called home such a wonderful woman. She will be greatly missed by all. -Jackie Selman
My deepest sympathy to the family. -Jane Maxwell
The people who touch our hearts will thankfully always be there (in our hearts). Words cannot express the pain and disbelief as we try to understand our loss of someone so special.
As a teacher, we are so blessed to have students touch our lives in so many ways. Melanie was a special gift to be shared by all who knew her. Thank you Melanie , I will treasure that gift forever. Love, -Margie Keithley
My deepest condolences go out to Melanie’s family. Monica talks about her family and hometown so much I feel like I know them myself! The stories and pictures (in her office and cell phone) she shares are just so wonderful! May you all remember the good and funny times with Melanie! May God bless and comfort you all. -Rhonda Stenson
My heartfelt condolences and prayers for strength to all of you i the coming days, months and years to come. i am so very sorry for this huge loss to your family. -Deb Rasala
Our deepest sympathy to the family! -Mary & Doug Seberger
If the world had more MELANIES it would MOST certainly be a better place. -TODD COX
To Melanie, her family, her high school servers and cooks over the past 15 years that she raised to be their best. She has left us a loving legacy. We need to keep her legacy alive. We walked into her Michigan city Schoops hamburger restaurant with its 1950-1960 decor of legend greats such as Mohamed Ali, Jimmy Dean, Judy Garland and more with movie reels and old “brownie “ camera artifacts and music to find the best eats in town. I especially loved her staff pumpkin carving contest in October, on display. Thank you, Melanie, for being an inspiration to being my best and for giving us your home at Schoops every Saturday to be surrounded by the best eats and your creative and joy filled space. You will live forever in our hearts. -Dan & Jan Hosna
So sorry for your loss Sharp family, My deepest condolences. -Tina Huppenthal
Dave, I’m so sorry for the passing of Melanie and wish I was in town to say my condolences to you and Megan. Keep her memories alive by talking about her everyday! I still tell stories about Jeff to everyone! -Leslie Milch-Austin-Sowinski
