Barbara Diane Melena

"Barbie" • "Memee"

August 9, 1947 – July 31, 2025

Barbara Diane Melena, lovingly known to many as "Barbie" and "Memee," passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on August 9, 1947, in Trenton, New Jersey, Barbara brought joy, warmth, and kindness to everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Steve Krupa and Helen Stepaniuk. Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, John Melena; her beloved children, Terry Mertyris and Andrea Mertyris; and her cherished stepdaughters, Tammy Melena and Kimberly Melena. She was a proud and loving grandmother to William Nelson, Taylor Nelson, Thomas Steever, Tori Steever, Trent Steever, Kayla Mertyris, and Dakota Mertyris, and a delighted great-grandmother to Kendall Hunter.

Barbara is also survived by her dear sister, Michele Hochstadter; her nieces Sharon Marcum and Lisa Bindi; her great-nephew Garrett Marcum; Billy Sherry; and her great-nieces Ava Sherry and Liana Sherry.

Barbara spent 35 years as a talented hairdresser, where she made not only clients but lifelong friends. She loved being part of her community, especially as a proud member of the “Yellow Birds” club and an enthusiastic supporter of the Mummers. She dedicated countless hours volunteering for the Safe Children Coalition’s Foster Angel Program and generously knitted beanies and blankets for the NICU at her local hospital.

Her passions were many—romance novels, computer games, and a competitive game of Scrabble were among her favorites. She loved going on cruises, trying her luck at casinos, and staying connected with her dear friends back in New Jersey. She especially cherished the joy of watching Phillies games with her son.

Barbara's presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit, laughter, and legacy of love and service will live on in all who knew her.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held September 27th at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park at 11am with a gathering after at her daughter’s house. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in her memory to the Lutheran Services of Florida/Family Focus Program or a local hospital NICU of your choice.

A celebration of life for Barbara will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222.