Melanie O'Connell Fox, resident of San Jose, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose. She is survived by her loving husband Dennis of 35 years, daughter Anna, son Bryan, soon-to-be daughter-in-law Monica, granddaughter Alice, and her beloved companion and dog Shasta, all of San Jose. Melanie is also survived by her mother Nancy O'Connell of Wayne, MI, her three brothers and six sisters, her mother-in-law Helen Della Zoppa of Santa Rosa, CA, and her many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father John "Jack" O'Connell. Melanie was born December 6, 1952 in Finedon, England before moving to Michigan with her parents and older brother Patrick at the age of eighteen months, where she remained until her late teens. Melanie was a veteran of the United States Navy where she met her husband Dennis. Melanie graduated from San Jose State University in May 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She worked as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at El Camino Hospital for over ten years before retiring in 2001. Melanie loved to spend time with her family, take walks with her dog Shasta, and enjoy a cup of tea with a good book. She found joy in working in her yard and was especially proud of her roses. Her happiest times were those spent surrounded by her family. Melanie was a generous soul full of love that she never hesitated to share with her family and friends. She will always be loved and is forever in our hearts and memories. A memorial service will be held on July 28, 2012 in San Jose, California. Please contact the family for more information on the location and time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lupus Foundation of America (http://www.lupus.org) in Melanie's honor.

Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on July 15, 2012.