Melanie A Scharn

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Melanie (Phair) Scharn, 56, of Atkinson, NH who passed away peacefully on October 9th with her loving family by her side.

Melanie was born in Lawrence, MA, on August 6, 1969, to Janet and Alan Phair. She grew up in Salem NH attending Barron, Woodbury, and Salem High School. After graduating from Salem High, she went on to pursue a career in early childhood development.

Melanie was the strongest woman her family knew. She consistently put the needs of others before her own, living a life marked by generosity, compassion, and selflessness. She lived for her family and friends, teaching her daughters to be strong yet gentle women, true to themselves, and mindful of caring for others.

Her love extended beyond her immediate family to the many children and colleagues she worked alongside at Bright Horizons, where she taught and was director for over 30 years. She considered her coworkers family. Her students and their families always spoke highly of her kindness, patience, and dedication. Even when she had little left to give, Melanie always gave her time, making sure that every person she met felt seen, heard, and cared for.

Melanie cherished family trips to Cape Cod, especially on the shores of the Bass River, where she grew up visiting her Aunt Bea and later in Dennisport, with her close-knit family. She lovingly passed that tradition down to her children and grandchildren, who will continue it in her honor. She also loved Disney trips with her family, something that was a fond childhood memory of her own that she continued with her own family. She delighted in creating joyful memories that her loved ones will hold close forever.

Melanie's life was rooted in faith. She grew up attending Mary Queen of Peace church in Salem, NH, and held on to her belief in God until her final days. Her life was a testimony to strength, love, and service, reflecting the scripture from 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Melanie will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her deep love for family and friends, and the warmth of her presence. Her legacy continues in her daughters, her grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched. She leaves behind not only memories but also a way of living one marked by kindness, faith, and love that will carry forward in her family and community.

May we honor her life by living as she did-with faith in God, love for others, and strength in every season.

Melanie Scharn is survived by her beloved parents Janet and Alan Phair, her spouse and best friend, James Scharn, their amazing children, Hayley Tammany and husband Benjamin, Kathryn Scharn and her partner Matt Ciampa, her 4 beautiful grandchildren, Maverick, Ruby, Crawford and Atlas along with her brother Chris Phair, his wife Michele, their daughters, Kiara and Isabella, and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her loving grandparents, Rene and Doris Mignault and Kay and Frank Phair.

Melanie was full of life and positivity right up to the end. She has asked us to continue this positivity and happiness by wearing bright and cheerful colors as we celebrate her life in the following manner:

Family and friends of Melanie are invited to attend Visitation on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4-8pm, at the Carrier Funeral Home, 38 Range Rd, Windham, NH 03087. A Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 10:30 am at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Rd., Salem, NH 03079.

All are invited to attend a celebration of Melanie immediately following the funeral service at The Knights of Columbus Hall, 37 Main St, Salem, NH 03079.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Sophia's Fund, a fund that is dedicated to helping children and their families in their fight against cancer. Before and especially during Melanie's fight she always did what she could for children fighting cancer. Donations may also be made to the High Point House, who took incredibly good care of Melanie up until the end.

Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and High Point House for taking extra special care of our daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, niece and friend.

Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com