MELISSA DOROTA

1979-2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Melissa Marie Dorota, at the age of 46, on December 15, 2025 at Winnipeg Health Science Centre.

Devastated by her passing are her loving and devoted husband, Doug den Ouden, her precious pride and joy daughter Jovi, stepdaughters Shea and Hana, step grandson River, her parents Frank and Mary, her brother Chris (Jen), nephew CJ, niece Jamie, and birth mother, Melissa Wakefield. Also, in mourning are her many uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws and friends of the Dorota's, O'Neill, den Ouden, and Wakefield families.

Melissa was pre-deceased by her grandparents, Frank and Madeline Dorota, Leo and Betty O'Neill, her aunts, Peggy, Patti, Betty, her uncle Mike and brother, Sterling.

Melissa had a wonderful childhood with her parents growing up in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She was a proud older sister to her loving brother, Chris and was the neighbourhood sweetheart, welcoming all into her yard and home. She attended Corpus Christi, EQ Jennings and St. Ignatius High School. She made many lasting friendships and was proud to be a tough Thunder Bay girl.

After high school, Melissa attended the University of Winnipeg, where she received her BA in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Melissa has always been a strong advocate for the nature strongly influenced by her childhood's favourite book, "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss. Melissa had strong personal opinions on issues related to environmental sustainability, Indigenous affairs, social injustices and mental health. Her advocacy won her a Ministry award from her environmental work with "Recycle Everywhere". She was also lauded for her passionate planning of major environmental conferences in Winnipeg with the likes of David Suzuki (her idol), Justin Trudeau and Tom Jackson as keynote speakers. She took pride in the successes but with deep humility

Melissa was a compassionate and loving person. Her proudest accomplishment was being a mom to her daughter Jovi. She loved being a mother and Jovi was her pride and joy. Throughout everything, Jovi remained her top priority. Second to that, Melissa was the proud cool Aunty Melissa to CJ and Jamie. She doted on them and gave them all her attention.

An unexpected friendship, turned into a whirlwind romance with Doug. Solidifying their love, Doug made a romantic proposal at the John Lennon's Strawberry Fields Memorial. In August of 2019, surrounded by family and friends,. A beautiful wedding took place on the wonderous beach of West Hawk Lake with the crazy Mexican after party. Melissa loved the lake and cherished all the lasting friendships and memories she made there. Her favourite past time was with Peggy Tate gardening and enjoying the fire. She made sure everyone was taken care of from the making a slip and slide for the children to planning her notorious parties that lasted well into the next day.

Melissa was an adventurous free-spirit. Her vibrant, independent, devil-may-care personality drew very special friends Gabby, Suzanne, Butch, Sandra, Brigitte and Lucy into her life. Melissa always welcomed new acquaintances/strangers with open arms, kindness, respect and congeniality. She truly had a heart of gold. She always made sure to make a person special through her acts of kindness and thoughtful gifts commissioned paintings, customized items tailored to each individual. No detail was too small or unturned as she planned each event with all of her heart and soul. Melissa was always there in times of crisis, whether it was for her friends, or extended family. People who know her, described her as thoughtful, caring, empathetic, compassionate and loving sometimes to a fault.

We would like to acknowledge the compassionate doctors, the wonderful nurses, and the sensitive support staff at the WHSC and Grace's Hospital. Your kindness and dedication are credits to your profession. A very special thanks to Auntie Jean for her nightly vigils, and to Aunt Louise, Gabby and Suzanne for visits to be at Melissa's bedside.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Humane Society in Winnipeg may be made

Although dark clouds hang over us, the skies will clear, the sun will shine brightly, and her spirit will envelop all those she touched deeply with love, hope, laughter, serenity and cherished memories of a lifetime.

We will miss you dearly, honey. Love you MORE!