Melanie Lynn Fisher

Melanie was born October 24th, 1963 in Tilden, Nebraska to Merrill & Margaret McDonald.

Known lovingly as ‘Mel’, ‘the Mom-ster’, and ‘Gam-ma’, Melanie was a graduate of Ben Lomond High School (Ogden, Utah) in 1981. With an unmatched drive for learning she continued her education receiving an Associate of Applied Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences in 1984 from Weber State University. She later returned to Weber State and received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology in 2000 and continued her education with various accredited courses in Science from Michigan State and was certified by ASCP in Microbiology in 2002.

Her dedication and passion to science, particularly in microbiology, led her to multiple positions across several states where her expertise was especially needed. With stops in Salt Lake City Utah, Bullhead Arizona, Ketchikan Alaska, Penn Yan New York and Spokane Washington, she made her permanent stop in Fort Collins Colorado where she worked for the past 13 years.

As an avid animal-lover and outdoor enthusiast, Melanie spent most of her earlier years with her family, friends, and especially her two children camping, skiing, fishing, and biking as well as caring for several pets and grand-pets. However, starting in 2012 her entire world began to revolve around her grandchildren who became the light of her life, spoiling them in any way she could.

Melanie was truly one of the most unique people and all those who had the opportunity to learn from, laugh with (sometimes at), and receive love from, all know how lucky they are to have known her.

She is survived by her two children Vyncent Francis and his wife Taylor and Jessica Barber and her husband Josh-’UA’; her three grandchildren Tate, Zoey, and Beau; and her mother Margaret McDonald, brother Mick McDonald, and many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father Merrill McDonald, brother Delmar McDonald, and nephew Tyler McDonald.

In lieu of a funeral, Melanie wanted her friends, family, and colleagues from around the country to remember her life in celebration. If you would like to donate or gift anything in her memory please do so to the American Society for Microbiology.