Melrita Pazin

Melrita was born on September 24, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to her parents Margaret Sheehan and Melvin Schultz and was the beloved stepdaughter to Michael Bird. She attended Hinsdale South High School located in Hinsdale, Illinois. On November 3, 1973 Melrita married her high school sweetheart, Dean Pazin, in Clarendon Hills, Illinois. Their love story spanned more than five beautiful decades.

For nearly 29 years, Melrita worked as an office manager for Dr. Gabor Bodnar, DMD, where she was cherished by her coworkers and patients alike.

Melrita’s love of life was a light that touched everyone lucky enough to know her. Whether she was “garage sailing” on Saturday mornings to feeding every child in the neighborhood to being the first on the dance floor, her presence was extraordinary. Her spirit shone brightly, nourished by the Florida sunshine and the deep love she had for her family.

Even as she faced the challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, Melrita did so with grace, courage and an unshakable determination never to let her illness define her. Her strength was quiet but fierce, and her heart remained open to joy until the very end.

Melrita is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sandy Szczypkowski and her brothers Robert Bird and Melvin Bird.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Dean Pazin; her three loving children Jessica Brennison (Tim), Michael Pazin (Kristin), Dean Pazin (Mandy); and her five (in her words) perfect grandsons, Zachary King (Paige), Nicholas King, Cash Pazin, Ford Pazin and Reef Pazin. She also leaves behind her cherished great-granddaughter Annabelle King, who carries forward her light.

Melrita's laughter, kindness and love will live on in the hearts of those she touched, a gentle reminder that sunshine can be found wherever her memory lingers.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Sunday November 23, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 pm at Horizon Funeral Home; 4650 N Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064.