Melany E. Laydon

Melany E. Laydon, 66, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with family at her side.
Mel was born on February 7, 1959, in Crystal Falls, MI, the daughter of Benjamin and Betty (Pierce) Applin. She graduated from Kingsford High School in 1977 and married her high school sweetheart, Jim Laydon. In 1981 Mel and Jim moved to California where they started their family. They later moved back to Iron Mountain to raise their children in the U.P.
Mel worked at Iron Mountain Public Schools for more than 30 years and served as the Scholarship Administrator for 20 of those years. During that time, she implemented 34 new scholarships and the Western Incentive Scholarship program, making IMHS one of only two schools offering the program in the state. She worked tirelessly to help students and families secure monetary awards to further their education. Through her work, IMHS was able to award over $10 million dollars!
Mel enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, bird-watching, beach combing, cooking, and a good Cab Sauv.
Mel also loved to travel. Once retired she spent time visiting Duluth, Door County, countless waterfalls, and the Pacific Northwest with her partner, Tom. She also reconnected with high school friends on several "Girls Trips."
Mel's greatest joy in life was her family. She traveled near and far to watch her grandsons play soccer (and cheer loudly). Sundays weren't complete without having Adam, Danielle, Gavyn, and Ryken over for the Packers game and snacks, hoping at the end of the game everyone would still be cheering GO PACK GO! She enjoyed wine tasting and exploring the Pacific Northwest with Ashlie and Garren.
Mel is survived by her daughter, Ashlie Laydon (Garren Andrews) of White Salmon, WA; son, Adam (Danielle) Laydon of Kingsford; two grandsons, Gavyn and Ryken Laydon; two sisters, Christine Ameen and Lisa (Ray) Goudreau; partner, Tom Zimmerman; and beloved rescued cat, Josie.
Mel was preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years, Jim; her parents, Benjamin and Betty Applin; and two brothers, Michael and Kelly Applin.
Visitation will be held 11:00AM - 1:00PM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Services will follow at 1:00PM at the funeral home. Pastor Michael March will officiate. Burial will be held Monday, November 10th at 11:00AM at the Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Almost Home Animal Shelter - a cause near and dear to Mel's heart - at https://almosthomeanimalsheltermi.com.
Condolences to the family of Melany E. Laydon may be expressed online at www.ernashfueralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.