I worked with Melody at BP.  She was everything you wrote about her and more.  She had a way of connecting to you on a personal level by remembering what you liked, said or did.   She was special in so many ways as well as brilliant and beautiful.  I am so sorry she's not with us and send my very deepest sympathies to her family.

Dearest Melodie,
I will not forget the first private email received from you, you told me you like Chinese Xiao long bao and Soybean milk and would like to eat them with me in Beijing together. I thought you are adorable. 
I will not forget the first time I saw you giving a presentation in Singapore, you looked so professional and confident, I thought you are very cool on the stage.
I will not forget we celebrate company’s anniversary in Dubai, you were all smiles, always happy. I thought you are full of energy. 
I will not forget the time when we both left Vitol, you told me about your illness, I started worrying about you, but you comfort me back, I thought you are caring, strong and brave. 
I will not forget the last time I met you and your families in Houston, I saw you held Amelie in your arms, she is so cute, beautiful, and sweet just like you. We discussed a lot about variable therapeutic method and Chinese medication, I trust you are a great mother and a real fighter. 
I just cannot believe my last text message sent from you stayed at 3:53pm on Feb 18 forever. I could not accept the truth that I will never receive the holiday post card from you anymore. I know you are in a better place, but I will miss your smiling face. I know you are an angle, you brought love, brightness, and joy to us. I know I will never forget you; this is not a permanent goodbye. R.I.P Mel. 
Love,
Natalie


Such a kind and gentle soul! My heart goes out to Brian and family 

I had always wished to have a "baby sister" to look after when I was the baby girl in my family. That wish came true when my dearest cousin, Melodie, came into this world when I was five years old. Ever since then, we had shared many precious first-ever memories in each other's lives. 

The first-ever time Melodie became my "baby sister" when she lived with us in Tainan, Taiwan, while I was in elementary school.

Fast forward to 2008, Melodie was the first-ever guest to our first-ever home in Portland, OR, that my husband and I barely moved in. We shared a laugh at our empty house with the bed still in the living room, and yes, we are still using that lovely house-warming panini grill from her.

Later in 2015, the hottest year ever in Oregon, Melodie and Brian were in town visiting at the end of their road trip. Together, we did our first-ever hike from the Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls as Texans and even Oregonians. Since the trail turned out to a breeze for the Texans and challenging for the Oregonians, it encouraged us to sign up for our first-ever gym memberships so we could keep up with Melodie and Brian next time. 

Only a few days ago, I said the first-ever goodbye to my beloved "baby sister" in person in a while one last time. Words could not describe how much we miss you and appreciate the extraordinary life and spirit you had shared with all of us. Thank you, Melodie!

Love,
Camille & Richard

I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Melodie as her rehab speech therapist at Methodist. I always looked forward to working with Melodie. She worked so hard despite every obstacle. She made me laugh. She inspired me. She was strong and brave. I wish her friends and family peace and healing. You are all in our hearts. 

Liz and I were saddened to learn of Melodie's passing.   We were seniors in college when she was a freshman, and both of us have memories of a bubbly, cheerful, lyrical voice calling our names and running up to us in the middle of the grass to share in the details of the day.  I remember the unexpected  pleasure of receiving letters from her while she was studying in Perugia, Italy, and planning the many dessert parties that we would have together when we graduated.  I was honored to attend Melodie and Brian's wedding after just moving back to Houston.  Melodie, your sunny presence will be missed.

What began as a workplace friendship through Brian and Geoff quickly grew into something more. 
Our annual quests for the best crawfish around had begun. So too, had a beautiful friendship. 
We had crawfish, comparing them and rating them to past year’s. Catching up on work. The newest crazy exploits. 
Enjoying Tomahawk steaks from Perry’s. A table laden with food at Pappadeaux, so full finding a spot for a glass of water was comical. 
Learning Amelie was on her way. 
Melodie and I corresponded endlessly on some days when neither she nor I could get out of bed. All while Brian and Geoff were eating “the good stuff”. 
Beautiful soul, we will miss you dearly. You were much loved by us. We shall carry our memories of you with us. 
Start saving all the big crawfishies and one day we will share them again. 
Our hearts are full of grief,
Geoff & Cyn

Beating the escape room together with the clock reading 59:59, just one second short of the 60:00 minute time limit

Denver Airport, Winter 2014:  Melodie and Brian getting picked up by the their specially reserved driver before going skiing and snowboarding

A cute little girl in a long jumper dress. That is my earliest memory of Melodie, when she came to live with us at the age of 3.
Over the years, I have found out that she was more than that. She was smart and kind. She was cheerful and determined. She had the courage and strength to get into the energy industry and the business of trading, while I, a person spending years studying finance, decided that it is too demanding for me.
Thanks to her commitment to stay in touch , I have the chance to meet Amelie, a cheerful beautiful girl who resembles so much of the Melodie at 3.
I will miss you dearly, Melodie!

I met Melodie outside pre-school and following a lovely conversation we decided to enjoy the weather and take our children to the park. That was the only time I was fortunate enough to be in Melodie’s company, but that afternoon in the park left me with such a wonderful impression that has stayed with me to this day. My condolences to Brian, Amelie and all Melodie’s family. You and everyone fortunate enough to have known Melodie have lost a special person. 

We had so much fun together in Italy (2002)

Dearest Melodie,

I will forever cherish the memories from our shared childhood years, especially all the weekends spent at Chinese school, our creation of The Sweethearts Club (complete with custom-made monogrammed pink T-shirts), and our family trip to Aquarena Springs and Natural Bridge Caverns (I recall being particularly excited about talking to you through our walkie talkies while driving in separate cars!). Even though life took us down separate paths after high school, I am so grateful that you were determined to keep in touch. I always looked forward to your handwritten holiday cards, so thoughtfully composed and brimming with positivity and warmth! 

Then, nearly four years ago, the births of our daughters Amelie and Adalyn brought us closer together again, and you graciously invited me to join the July Club and the Amelie Hair Fan Club. Watching our girls grow up together while sharing parenting struggles and triumphs has been so special to me. I see so much of you in Amelie: her sweet smile, the sparkle in her eyes, and her love of reading and creating! She has your courage, strength, and playful spirit, and you have given her the solid foundation to thrive.  

Thank you, dearest friend, for being such a bright star in my life. Everyone who has been touched by your warm, enveloping light has been forever changed for the better. Even though you are now farther away than ever, your brilliance will never fade in our hearts. 

Love,
Audrey

Melodie was born as a “Winner” at Hermann Hospital on 11/8/1981; the #2 biggest and healthiest baby among all new-born babies at that time.  

Melodie has been an intelligent, quick-minded, creative, joyful, loving, caring person since her birth. 

We love Melodie unconditionally.  We provided Melodie with ample opportunities for obtaining best educations, building her own diversified skills, living her life to the fullest.  Subsequent to Amelie’s birth in July 2017, we rented one unit at the same floor of Brian and Melodie’s apartment complex to take good care of Melodie and Amelie.    

Melodie suffered from declining health conditions for over 3 years along with the undiagnosed neurological disease.  Our hearts were broken into millions of pieces upon Melodie’s passing.  However, our LOVE for Melodie remain forever.  We know GOD took Melodie back to Heaven, as the Heaven needs a loving, caring, beautiful angel.   

Dear Melodie, Daddy and Mommy love you and miss you very much.  


My fondest memory of Melodie is her commitment to the Christmas card with a family photo. It’s something I could count on every year, and nudged me to reach out and check in on their family. And her final resting place is a Wonder Woman urn! It is prompting me to update my will to pick the right urn. 

Melodie and I were childhood friends and I had the honor of being in the same school with her in 2nd and 6th grade. I was so lucky to have her as my best friend - her friendship meant the world to me. I was so sad to leave her when I moved to Seattle in 7th grade, but we promised to write each other. And write we did! We sent letters by post even with the advent of email and social media because getting letters felt so special. We heard bits and pieces of each other's stories throughout the years, and finally started texting each other in 2020. She has a killer meme game! We chatted via video and picked right up where we left off, like no time had passed at all. She was still the generous, cheerful, and determined girl that I befriended all those years ago. Her warm spirit was such a gift and I always knew that we would be friends forever, even if we lived millions of miles apart. Although Melodie may not be here physically,  her spirit lives on in the way she impacted our lives. Thank you for being so wonderful Melodie!

Due to our mothers’ closeness, my cousin Melodie and I always got along well. Even though distance prevented us from seeing each other often, our proximity in age means I have a lifetime of memories of her.

I remember first meeting her in Pittsburgh for a family reunion when I was only six years old. I remember my family traveling to Houston to visit my aunt’s family in 1989, a trip during which Melodie and I dug up “rollie pollie bugs” in the backyard and our mothers took us to see a double feature of "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" and "Turner & Hooch". I remember a family dinner with our families and my grandparents in Houston in 2008. And I remember the two times in 2010 when our families got together to say goodbye to my grandfather both in Little Rock and again in Houston. The one thing I remember most about Melodie from all these visits is that she was always a happy person.

After the birth of Amelie, Melodie and I maintained more regular correspondence often including pictures of herself with her daughter. As the proverb says, “A cheerful heart has a continuous feast.” I believe Melodie exemplified this. Melodie, you will always be in our hearts and you will be missed.

Over thirty years ago, my niece Melodie and her parents came to visit my family when we resided in the west suburbs of Philadelphia. Melodie came with me and my son Benjamin to our church’s children summer camp.  Melodie sat quietly with a young female seminarian student while other children were happily playing on the ground. I saw that Melodie was listening attentively to the discussion about God and salvation. Melodie accepted Jesus Christ as her savior that sunny morning when she was only eight.

When my family went with my parents to church for Sunday worship in Houston, Melodie as a teenager went along. Melodie was there to witness the baptism of my father – her grandfather. Ever since she was young, Melodie loved her grandparents. After they moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in 2009, Melodie called them and sent them cards. After her grandfather passed away in 2010, Melodie traveled with her parents to Little Rock for the memorial service where she was great comfort and support to her mother. Melodie sent grandmother cards frequently with inspiring Chinese words. During Thanksgiving 2017, Melodie, Brian, and her parents traveled together to Little Rock to visit my mother. Brian and Melodie spent a full day to putting together a 1000-piece puzzle depicting the Three Wisemen from the Nativity and framing it. To this day, that completed puzzle still hangs on the wall of grandmother’s room.

Melodie lived a full life and she is now in God’s hands. We will think about Melodie always. We love Melodie and will hold her close to our hearts. We look forward to the day when Jesus Christ makes all things new and we will live with Him forever in peace and joy.

What first brought me and Melodie together many years ago was a career fair at Rice where we were each recruiting for our respective energy companies.  I moved to New York in 2006, and we fell out of touch at some point, but we reconnected in December of 2019 when she, Brian, and Amelie were in NYC to visit family.  

Melodie and I met up for lunch (which then morphed into a shopping trip) and proceeded to catch each other up on all that had happened in the intervening years.  There was lots to cover.  As veterans of the energy industry, we compared notes on our work experiences, and I learned about all that she had been through the past few years – from the joy of the birth of Amelie, to her surgery, her battle with cancer, and her ongoing recovery.  I also got to witness the strength of her spirit and determination that, no doubt, the people closest to her have always known was there.  And despite all of her recent challenges, she was still the same joyful, funny Melodie that I remembered.  After that day, Melodie and I continued to stay in touch, and I was the beneficiary of many adorable pictures of her and her family and an array of hilarious memes.  I was touched by her generosity of spirit and the way she embraced me like an old friend that she’d known her entire life.

As many have mentioned, Melodie’s commitment to staying in touch sustained the lasting bonds that she formed with others.  I will be forever grateful that she reached out to let me know that she would be in town and for the opportunity to reconnect with this beautiful, kind soul and kindred spirit.  My heart goes out to Brian, Amelie, and Melodie’s family.  Melodie will live on in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Dear Melodie,
I still remember the first time we met, a cocktail party on a cold afternoon in London. Two young women, working in a men’s world. We immediately had the “click”. 
I always admired your intelligence and high professionalism. You could be quiet and observe, but when asked, you could convince people with your rational arguments. 
Our business talks moved very quickly to private talks and laughs. Lots of laughs.
I remember when you visited me in Belgium. It must have been one of the coldest weeks of the year. But we didn’t mind, we were too busy with eating French Fries in Antwerp, mussels in Brussels, a waffle in Ghent. When I moved to Sweden later in the year, you also came to see me there. The thought of us eating this huge cinnamon roll still makes me laugh. 
I’m so happy we came to visit you in Houston in 2019. We had such a great time together. 
You were master in enjoying the little things in life. No matter what, you always saw the positive site. During the last years you were limited by your health, but your imagination could take you everywhere. 
I will miss the funny memes you sent me, the pictures of Amelie, our long phone calls. I will miss this wonderful friend I had on the other site of the ocean. I am overwhelmed with sadness, but I am also so thankful that I got to know you, that we met in London 8 years ago. I cherish all the memories. I will never forget you.
Marijke


Like many of you, my relationship with Melodie was forged and maintained by her unswerving loyalty and kindness. We met studying abroad in Italy, and though that was almost twenty years ago, and we have always lived far apart, there was always the annual Christmas gift, or Skype chat, or card. Melodie insisted on staying in contact, always reaching out, repeatedly being the one to touch base first, to extend that hand in friendship year after year, even when I wasn't as diligent about it.

And the care she took with the gifts she sent was evident. Even while she was traveling or spending time with her family, she was still thinking of others, and would send exotic treats, or something that reminded her of a conversation or our time together. 

In the whole duration of our friendship, we've spent such a small amount of time actually together, but I remember fondly little things, like in Italy, making grilled pomodoro e mozzarella sandwiches and her offer to share dryer sheets with me, even though she parceled them out sparingly. And then the big things, like inviting me to her wedding, and meeting up when we were in San Francisco and including me on a tour of Lucasfilm, or when she was traveling around to visit family and friends, trekking to Chicago so I could come down from Wisconsin to spend time with her.

And not just her, of course, but being welcomed by her kind and devoted husband Brian, and later being introduced as an honorary aunt to Amelie. She was so excited to be a mom, after struggling with so much to make that a reality, and so loving and devoted to giving her the best possible start in life.

Melodie has impacted my life in so many ways. Her kindness, sweetness and thoughtfulness were steadfast through her many trials, and she always took time to ask about my life even when she was dealing with so much in hers. I am lucky that she included me among her countless friends, to have benefited from her generosity of spirit, her brightness, and her joy.  

Melodie and I met in a summer math class in Houston.  I was a nervous international student who had just started to take college math courses in the United States.  Determined to do well but struggled with the new language, I was feeling alone until the girl sitting next to me gave me a beautiful smile.  It was Melodie, an extremely intelligent and warm-hearted person I was so lucky to meet that summer!  We became good friends instantly!  Until today I remember the encouragement Melodie had given me during my time of studying in Houston. Her determination and work ethic had inspired me, and her friendship had indeed brought me so much love and laughter!

Over the years, I have moved to several different states.  Although Melodie and I were far away from each other, our friendship stayed strong. Melodie always remembered to reach out to me by sending me cards and many positive and caring messages.  Even when she was fighting her illness, she still tried to bring positive spirits to people’s lives with her great sense of humor.  I will always remember her kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity toward all.

Melodie was a true friend!  I miss her dearly.  She will always be in my heart and memories!

Melodie was a treasured friend to me.    Our paths crossed during our college study abroad program in Perugia, Italy.  One very vivid memory I have of Melodie during that time is her spending hours handwringing letters she would send to people that she loved.  I was impressed with the time she spent reaching out to those she loved.   Little did I know then that our short time in Italy would mean a life long friendship with Melodie.  

Melodie was such a faithful friend to me for so many years. She would send me letters and text messages and gifts for me and my children. She was always so thoughtful. I can only attribute our friendship to her constant faithfulness in reaching out to me. I was so blessed by her love and thoughtfulness. 

Melodie was so strong in fighting the battle she faced with her declining health. I marvel at how she never complained and would have a positive outlook no matter what was to come next.  

I will forever cherish the friendship I had with Melodie.  Her life was a gift from God.  

I loved many things about Melodie. One of my favorites was her laugh. She had the cutest laugh! She and I shared many good times together over the years and many great laughs! Melodie also called me by my nickname “Reb-O”. I can’t remember the last time she called me Rebecca.  I loved that she always referred to me as “Reb-O”. 
Melodie was always so kind and thoughtful.  I remember when my twins were born, she came by to meet them with gifts in hand. She got them a pink and purple winter jacket, which they wore for 2 seasons! She enjoyed hearing stories about my girls, and I definitely told her the funny ones - just so I could hear her adorable laugh ❤️
Melodie always gave good advice. I knew she would have a practical perspective on any situation; therefore, she was a great person to count on for a reasonable solution! She was true friend. 
I loved that Melodie valued my opinion on interior design and real estate questions. I had the honor of spending time with her recently when she and Brian first began their house search. It was fun looking at houses with sweet Amelie along. There was never a dull moment. 
Amelie reminds me a lot of Melodie with her sweet, soft voice, sense of humor, and sweet disposition. She is precious just like her mommy. 
My heart goes out to Brian, Amelie, and Melodie’s loving parents. Melodie was a beautiful soul, and she left a special mark with all of us.  I will miss you dearly my beautiful friend. 

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Melodie during her fight to get better. I was her physical therapist in inpatient rehab, and we had an immediate connection the moment we met. She had such a strong desire to fight so she could be with her daughter and family. Her spirit reflected the positivity and love that she exuded every time I was with her. I am so thankful I had the chance to know her and her amazing spirit. She is in my heart forever.

Brian, I was so very saddened to hear of the loss of your wife.  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead.  May the passing of time bring healing to your hurting heart!

Best regards,
AnnaLee Schendel

Melodie was an amazing, strong, caring woman with zest for life and full of love for her family and her friends.  She was a super mom and applied her brilliant mind to expand Amelie’s horizons beyond those of a three year old.  

Melodie had a generous and kind heart, and the ability to develop deep bonds.  

She was a true Friend.  I will remember her for her gentleness, her ability to reflect, her keen intellect, and curiosity.  She was genuinely interested in others and was willing to see the positive even in the face of enormous physical challenges.  Her illnesses never defined her even as they robbed her of much.

Having retired from a very successful career, she poured her love into Amelie. Her legacy is one of love and friendship.  The world has lost a bright light—Brian and Amelie have lost so much more.  

We are close to them as they deal with their grief.  We know that Melodie will live on in their and our hearts.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Melodie S Lu

8 novembre 1981 – 25 mai 2021

Katy Funeral Home

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