Melanie Macgregor Pollard

Melanie Macgregor Pollard, 43 years old, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday morning, November 10, 2010. Melanie was born August 22, 1967 in Paisley, Scotland.

Melanie grew up and received her education in Scotland, including her Bachelor of Education from Glasgow University. After moving to the United States at the age of 22, Melanie lived with family in Connecticut, then moved to New York City where she worked in the fashion industry. She was married and moved to Sayre, Pa., where she has been a substitute teacher for the Waverly School District and Epiphany School. Melanie recently received her Masters in Education from Elmira College.

For 20 years Melanie has been a devoted dance teacher at Pat Haggerty Studios and for the past three years has been working as an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay where she was just promoted to director and recognized in a special ceremony last Friday evening. Just a few months ago, Melanie proudly accepted her Mary Kay car, a distinguished honor for her hard work, dedication and earnings working for Mary Kay.

Melanie had a flair for fashion and loved shopping, collecting unique, stylish and vintage clothes and jewelry. She was an expert on tea. She looked for "a cup of tea" the first thing upon waking up in the morning, had a cup throughout the day and a "cup of tea" just before bed. Melanie was a world traveler. She especially enjoyed the art and culture of Philadelphia and New York City. Melanie loved food, appreciated a great meal or treat and made delicious desserts to share. She was caring and generous, always offering kind words, love and support to her family and large circle of friends. Her smile, positive energy, sense of humor and warmth were infectious and everyone loved being with Melanie and listening to her mesmerizingly beautiful Scottish accent. Melanie's extensive circle of family and friends will miss her terribly.

She is survived by her three children; Annie Caroline Caplan, age 15, Callum Edward Caplan, age 12 and Grant Sidney Caplan, age 11; her mother and father Margaret and Edward Pollard of Islay, Scotland; her sister Sarah Clark and her husband Stephen Clark and their children Harry and Hannah Clark of Glasgow, Scotland; her sister Virgina Smith and her children Kirsty, Kate and Ruby Smith of Glasgow, Scotland; and her live-in love Jonathan Clark Herweg.

Family will be receiving callers from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15, 2010 at Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home, 225 S. Main St., Athens, Pa. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010 at Waverly United Methodist Church, 158 Chemung Street, Waverly, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Heart Foundation (www.theheartfoundation.org) at 32107 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 235 Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Written by Maggie and Eddie Pollard in memory of their daughter Melanie:

Melanie was born and grew up in Scotland and although always proudly Scottish she embraced the American way of life with ease, latterly with the great love of Jonathan.

All of her Scottish relatives from grandpa, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews thank those of you who cared for and loved her. We all loved her and as her father said "what's not to love?"

Too many words are needed to describe this very special daughter of ours. She was the best person I have ever known and I am so glad she loved me too.

If even the smallest part of her is reflected in her children Annie, Callum and Grant then hers was a life worthwhile and her children are blessed.

God bless you Melanie and God bless all of those that loved you. SORAIDH (farewell in Gaelic)

(For those wishing to sign the E-guestbook and send condolences may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com).