Melanie Jordan

Melanie Joyce Kaye Jordan, 54, of Anchorage, AK died peacefully February 24, 2012 in Kailua-Kona with her two daughters by her side. She was born to Edythe Joyce Kaye, August 19,1957 in Anchorage, AK. Melanie was fortunate to have two families, and was raised by Maxine and Jerry Newman who embraced her as their own daughter. After graduating from West High School in 1976, Melanie went to work, side by side, with Maxine at JC Penney's, an experience she would later recall with fondness. In her twenties, with a family to support, Melanie began a career in the food and beverage industry. She had the perfect personality for her chosen career, friendly, outgoing, funny and witty. Her charm delighted guests at restaurants throughout Anchorage including Elevation 92, Simon and Seafort's, and Sacks Cafe'.

Melanie had a fun creative side that materialized in home decorating, throwing birthday parties for her daughters and writing letters to friends and family. Cheerful letters written to friends and family could make you smile in the worst of times. Making plain, uninviting spaces look warm and cozy on a shoestring budget was an area of pride for Melanie. A sibling arrived home one day to delightfully discover lace window treatments on previously cold, bare window frames. Melanie's flare for the arts manifested in the form of vibrant, exquisite, fish prints now gracing the walls of her family's homes.

In regard to her accomplishments, Melanie is most proud to have raised two beautiful and independent daughters. She took great pleasure in apprising others of her daughters' latest experiences and achievements.

Melanie is survived by her daughters Kindra (Tanner Bailey) Fratus of Kailua-Kona, HI, Lindsie (Nathan Thomas) Fratus of Bellingham WA, sisters, Marti (Darryl Batangan) Tryck of Anchorage, AK, Sandi (Mac) McCoy, Sheryl (Jesse) Fischer of Kailua-Kona, HI, and brother Jerry Newman of Picayune, MS as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Melanie will be sorely missed by her family and friends. In the spirit of Melanie's kind, caring and compassionate nature, her family would like to leave everyone with one of Melanie's last journal entries: "Sometimes we have to let go of the past in order to reach out for something new. You have within you everything you need to pursue a new goal, to follow a new dream. Please believe in yourself as I believe in you."

A Celebration of Life will be held in the weeks to come and will be announced in a future issue.