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Melanie Marie Montague Carpenter
1954-2014 WEST CUMMINGTON Melanie Marie Montague Carpenter, 59, of 68 West Main Street, Cummington, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2014 at home. Born on April 14, 1954, in Pensacola, Florida, she was the daughter of Zoe McKey Montague and the late Frank Daniel Montague. She graduated from William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia, and was educated in schools in Tappahannock, Virginia and Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She moved to Massachusetts in 1991 when she and her sons moved to her parents' home in Marblehead, Massachusetts. They again moved in 1999 to West Cummington, where she helped her parents run Riverbear Newfoundlands Kennel, where there was almost always a house full of the Gentle Giants and puppies. Although slowed down by her over forty year battle with Hepatitis C, Melanie led a full life primarily centered around her sons, helping them to realize their dreams of becoming an artist (Robert) and actor (McKey). She was most happy when she followed her passions: painting, photography, nature, holistic healing, gardening, animal tracking, Harry Potter, reading, writing books, creating blogs for the Kennel, her extended family, Christmas, hiding Easter eggs, researching underground homes, and the rights of students who learn differently. While McKey was a student at Wahconah Regional High School, Melanie was an active parent in the Apollonian Players where she was a photographer and props maker. As she slowed down in what she could do physically, her world became bigger as she used the internet to participate in one of her greatest adventures a "Plunderer" on the blog of chetthedog.com, a close group of friends from around the world who love the Chet the Dog books by Spencer Quinn, and who also cheer for and support the dogs of Snowhook Kennels of Willow, Alaska, and their Iditarod run every year. She was honored to learn that Snowhook had dedicated the 2014 race to "Melanie Montague Carpenter and her battle against Liver Cancer". The race began on March 1st, and the dog team successfully finished the race on March 13th. Melanie is survived by her sons Robert K. Carpenter and his wife Andrea Cianchiglia of Califon, New Jersey, and C. McKey Carpenter and his fiancee Courtney Chadwell of New York City. She also leaves her mother Zoe Montague of West Cummington, her sister Martha Bodine of Hinsdale, Massachusetts, her brother Daniel (Carolyn) Montague of Rockland, Maine, her best friends, Leonard and Amalia Fourhawks, of Florence, Massachusetts, and numerous nieces and nephews. Melanie was pre-deceased by her father, Dan Montague (2012), and her brother-in-law, Robert Bodine (2006). In accordance with Melanie's wishes, there will be no memorial service and burial will be private. Those wishing to honor Melanie's life are encouraged to contribute to the Apollonian Players of Wahconah High School: 150 Windsor Road, Dalton, MA, 01226, or Snowhook Kennel, Justin and Rebecca Savidis, Po Box 1179, Willow, Alaska 99688.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Zoe, I have been thinking about you a lot. My heart is so broken over the passing of Melanie. She was such a wonderful person, filled with so much talent and love. Though it was through the newfs, I always felt we had a wonderful friendship. I truly will miss her.
Jane & Dan Pollan
March 24, 2014
Zoe and Martha.
You are in our prayers for God's comfort, strength and peace.
Donna & Bill Donovan
March 23, 2014
Zoe, my biggest hugs to you. Thank you for sharing Melanie with us.
Marylou Nash
March 22, 2014
Zoe
So sorry for your loss. Melanie loved life and lived it to the fullest. She really enjoyed the Newfies. She will be missed. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and carlene Kosakowski
March 21, 2014
One of my life's most serious regrets is that I never got to meet Melanie as a fellow Chet-the-Dog Plunderer. She brought her humor and many talents to the blog which enriched us and made it a daily delight to read. I was in awe of what she was able to accomplish given her medical struggle. While we never physically met, I considered her a cherished friend. Her love for her boys, her mom and her dogs was always apparent. I miss her and will remember and honor her.
Carol Harris
March 21, 2014
Martha and Zoe - I was so sorry to hear about your sister's death. My condolences to you and your family.
Matthew Stone
March 21, 2014
Rest in peace dear friend.
Nancy Drew
March 21, 2014
Thinking of you and your family Zoe. I remember Melanie's big smile and gentle way. I have a wonderful pup because of Melanie's love of the big goofy newfies.
Best Sandra and Luna
March 21, 2014
My life is richer after knowing Melanie for only a few years. She embraced life to the fullest. A great woman who left this world to soon.
Patty Field
March 21, 2014
Zoe and family, we just wanted you to know how much you are in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult days. Although we haven't seen some of you for many years, we are glad that you had some lovely years with Melanie and were able to experience all her passions.
Jennie, Larry, and Cheri and Wendy and their families
Jennie Rose
March 21, 2014
Zoe... please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.. Melanie made a great impression on me when i came to you house to pick out Zoe.. when she called the pups to come and see us she said "here pup pup pup" and they all came running.. i still do that with Zoe and she comes running.. she will watch over you and the dogs.. <3
ginty mcguirk
March 21, 2014
Zoe and Family...my deepest condolences on the loss of Melanie. We have never met in person, but I came to know all of you through the River Bear blog and Dan's writings. And Andrea has painted for me. The Newfoundland community is a small one and very tight knit..and when one crosses the Bridge we all feel the loss. Godspeed, Melanie..may the others be at the Bridge to welcome you. The stars burn brighter now..
Tara Kelley-Bertrand
March 21, 2014
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