Melanie A. "Mel" Dunham's Obituary
Melanie A. “Mel” Dunham, age 51, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, April 7, 2021. She was born on June 17, 1969 to Charles and Julie (Johnson) Spencer in Owosso, MI. Melanie attended both Western Michigan University and Ferris State University. She worked for a longtime in law enforcement, but in her later years truly enjoyed working as a security guard at the Gerald Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. While working there, she came across many individuals from less fortunate walks of life, yet she cared for them like she would her own. Mel was a woman known to have the most kind and tender heart, especially when it came to people and animals. She made time for everyone and made you feel important and cared for always. Above all things, she was known as being a proud mother of her boys, Matthew and Jeffrey. Her children were her world, her pride and joy and she loved them unconditionally. Besides, being a #1 mom, Mel truly enjoyed going up north. She loved spending time at her cabin on Lake Superior agate picking and making memories with her family. She was the life of any party and she seemed to make every event that much better. Mel was loved by so many people and her spunky and vivacious personality will be missed by all. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, wonderful daughter, amazing sister, cherished cousin, and dear friend. She is survived by her 2 children, Matthew Dunham and Jeffrey Dunham; father, Charles Spencer; sister, Melissa (Bill) Taylor; niece, Emily Taylor; beloved cousins, Julie (Tom) Janisse, Jennifer (Ben) Thomas, Jeff (Bonnie) Johnson, and Jackie (Scott) Oliver; father of Matthew and Jeffrey, Todd Dunham; and Uncle Bob (Aunt Marty) Johnson, Uncle John (Paula) Simmons, and Uncle Bob (Susan) Pantling. She is preceded in death by her mother, Julie Spencer; cousin, Kyle Simmons; grandparents, Charlie (Betty) Singleton; grandmother, Dorris Simmons; and super tall, dark and handsome pup, Willy. A limited visitation of 25 people at a time will be held from 5-8:00PM on Monday, April 12, 2021 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. A private family service will take place. Memorial contributions in Melanie’s honor can be made direct to the Humane Society. Please share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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