Melanie Leonard Taylor

Melanie was born July 5, 1951, the second of four daughters (Sharyn Scheeler (d. 2015), Robin Garrett, and Dawn Hymel) to the late Edith and Alfred Leonard in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is survived by her four children, Colby Wenck (Tammy), Alyssa Wenck Rambeau (Jeffery), Hillary Tatman (Edward), and Grayson Taylor (Renee) and her life companion of over 20 years, Ervin “Tony” Thomas. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren, Kathryne, Addison, Reeves, Anderson, William, Sloane, Benton, Hannah, Felix, and Conrad. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in New Orleans, she was a graduate of F. T. Nicholls’ class of 1969. After high school, Melanie spent her time exploring the career of a legal secretary working for notable attorneys Wendell Gauthier and Jim Donelon as well as the firm of Jones Walker, but later realized she had a bigger dream for herself.

A little more than 20 years and four kids later, she pursued her dream to become a dietitian by attending Louisiana State University and obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and then Southeastern Louisiana University for a Master of Arts in Health Promotion. During her career in healthcare, she touched the lives of many patients and their families, most recently acting as the Clinical Dietitian at Kindred Healthcare in New Orleans. She also spent time serving as an adjunct Professor of Dietetics at Delgado Community College New Orleans and a Research Associate at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.

Melanie loved traveling, hosting her family and friends for any occasion, and could always be found on the dance floor. She loved to cook and bake and always looked for an excuse to sew for someone. She loved the LSU Tigers and would spend her Sundays watching Saints games with family and friends.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, LA on Wednesday May 17, 2023. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM. Burial will be immediately following.