Melanie Valente

She was born in Fort Mead, MD, on July 11, 1951 to Ret. Lt. Col. Paul F. And Janice Sanders. As an Army brat, she grew up moving all around the world. She graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a BBA in marketing.

Melanie married her soulmate, Joseph J. Valente, on October 18, 1986, in Austin, TX. Melanie and Joe settled in Fort Collins, Colorado in 2001. She stayed very busy pursuing her passions. She served as president of the Fort Collins Newcomers Club, sat on the board of the Fort Collins Symphony, was an active Master Gardener and volunteered at the Lincoln Center. Melanie & Joe enjoyed many adventures traveling all over the world. She was an avid hiker, conquering six 14ers around Colorado, and loved to snowshoe, snorkel, bird watch and garden. Melanie appreciated good food, good wine, and was a consummate hostess. She cherished spending quality time with her family and friends.

Melanie is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Joe; her daughter Tricia (Chris) Doxey from a previous marriage; her stepchildren Jennifer Valente and Joseph J (Meriah) Valente, III; her grandchildren Robert, Matthew, Giada, and Lucia; and her brother Geoffrey (Nancy) Sanders.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 2000 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80525.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made in Melanie's name to: Wild Life Sanctuary, www.wildanimalsanctuary.org, Fort Collins Symphony, www.fcsymphony.org, or to make a donation to the Cancer Center in memory of Melanie visit www.uchealthnocofoundation.org/donate/, select and fill in the Tribute Gift section and choose Cancer Care and Oncology Services as the Designation.