Dorothy L. Melo

Dorothy Lillian Melo 81, of Port Charlotte, FL peacefully passed on June 16, 2012. She was born on January 14, 1931 in Newark, New Jersey. Dorothy was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Courtney. She was raised and lived in New Jersey most of her life. She moved to Florida in 1988 on a permanent basis. Dorothy was a wonderful homemaker, a devoted wife, and very loving mother. She was married to her loving husband Arthur Melo in 1952. They spent the last 59 years at each other's side. Their devotion and love to each other is a one of a kind union. They certainly have fulfilled their commitment to each other and their family. To know Dorothy was to experience happiness and joy of life. Her love for God shined through and touched the hearts of those she knew. Her smile and laughter was contagious. Dorothy loved life and lived it to ensure others happiness. She was selfless, generous, and very kind. She was loved by all she engaged and just plain fun to be around. Many have been blessed by her life, her prayers, and her caring way.

Dorothy's faith was her foundation for all that she did. She was blessed to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She knew that she would be in his arms the minute she departed from this world. Her wish and desire is for you to know that she did not fear her departure as she knew her life at the side of Jesus was just beginning.

She is survived by her husband Arthur and three generations of family. Her sons Richard (Joanne) A. Melo of Boone, NC and Jim (Sandy) Melo of Punta Gorda, FL were her pride and joy her entire life. Her sons gave her six wonderful Grandchildren; Richard, Michael, Anna Marie, James, Adam, and Jaimie. She also has six Great Grandchildren. She will be remembered with love and cherished moments that she brought to us on a daily basis.

Dorothy was blessed over the past couple of years to have the care of not only her family but that of the Staff of Charlotte Harbor Health Care. She made friends there that truly made her final days comfortable. She was also cared for by Tidewell Hospice with a caring hand that could be matched by no other.

Do not be sad but join us in celebrating the life, and love that Dorothy gave us.

Memorial Services will be private and arranged on a day that will be special for the family. We had the best and we knew it.