Melanie Rose Sheppard-Little's Obituary
Melanie R. Sheppard-Little of Basye, Va. passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at her home.
Melanie was a truly loving and giving soul. She poured her heart into everything she did in life especially when it came to helping others. This gift gave her unique abilities to help others in her line of work as a mental health counselor. Even though her time here was short, she had a big impact on the lives of those around her. She was passionate about her work as a counselor and loved helping others in need. She was a certified grief counselor that assisted people who were grieving over their lost loved ones and pets. Her family regarded her as the glue that held the family together even though she was the youngest of her siblings.
Melanie was always there with a friendly smile and comforting words to anyone that was in need of support. She was so good at her work she is listed in the “Who’s who” for her charitable work. Melanie’s love extended well beyond her family and friends and especially included her three cherished cats. Among many other interests, she had a fascination with creating beautiful works of art from stained glass. Her most cherished trip was when she was finally able to visit Ireland. After visiting, she spoke about how wonderful and beautiful a place it was. We will miss her love and her caring feelings for all of those she met.
Melanie is survived by her mother, Rosemary Phillips; her six siblings, Patricia Oravetz (Richard) of Pennsylvania, Alan Ott (Maryann) of Midlothian, Debi Ott of Newport News, Brian Ott (Lisa) of Newport News, Melissa Sheppard of South Carolina, and Ralph Sheppard II (Nicole) of North Carolina. Melanie also leaves behind eight nieces and nephews, Emily Ott, Eric Ott, Ryan Ott, Evan Ott, Lauren Ott, Ethan Ott, Sara Marie Sheppard, and Patrick Sheppard; close family friends, Jason McIntosh, Sara McClelland, and Olivia Smith; as well as many other family members and close friends.
Melanie was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Sheppard; and her nephew, Nathan Ott.
A memorial service in her honor will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapels located at 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg, VA.
In lieu of flowers, Melanie’s family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of charitable donations in her name to one of her favorite charities:
World Wildlife Fund at https://www.worldwildlife.org/support
Rainbows Bridge at https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/donations.htm
Scars Foundation at https://www.godsmack.com/scarsfoundation
National Center for Victims of Crime at https://victimsofcrime.giv.sh/f549
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