Melissa Marie Mader

Melissa Marie Mader, a resident of Burt, Michigan, passed on February 27, 2026, at the age of 43, following a hard-fought three-year battle with pancreatic and lung cancer.

Melissa was born on June 26, 1982, in Saginaw, Michigan, the daughter of Manuel Leal and Lisa (Sawvel). She was a 2001 graduate of St. Charles High School. On September 13, 2003, she married Robert Mader, and together they were blessed with three children, who were the greatest pride and purpose of her life.

Melissa had a presence that was impossible to forget. Her smile could light up a room, and her laugh was full of warmth and love. She had a rare gift for making people feel welcome and cared for, always opening her arms and her heart to those around her. She put others before herself without hesitation, carried her heart on her sleeve, and had a deep sensitivity to the feelings of others. If you knew Melissa, you loved her.

She was a devoted and loving mother, fiercely proud of her children and deeply connected to her family. She shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews, to whom "Aunt Melissa" was more than a title-it was a source of comfort, fun, and unconditional love. She also took her cousin, Crystal Gonzalez, under her wing, loving her as an inseparable sister.

Melissa found joy in life's simple and meaningful moments. She loved long Sunday drives through the Shiawassee County Wildlife Refuge, cherished time spent up north at their cabin on Kerswill Lake in Gladwin, and enjoyed caring for the animals on their hobby farm. She treasured her annual April casino trips and special getaways with her girlfriends. She and Robert were grateful to share one final trip together to their cabin just weeks ago, creating memories that will be forever cherished. Melissa also enjoyed her tequila and lemonade, laughter with friends, and the comfort of being surrounded by those she loved.

Throughout her illness, Melissa fought with courage and resilience. She drew strength and inspiration from the memory of her beloved daughter, Madisen Lynn Marie Mader, whose own health battle showed her what it meant to face adversity with grace and bravery.

Melissa is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Mader; her son, Robert Mader III (Emily Alvarez); her daughter, Destiny Mader (Russell Terrian Jr.); her mother, Lisa Trumble and father, Emery Trumble; her father, Manuel Leal and mother, Connie Contreras; her siblings, Manuel Joseph Leal, Jr., Marcya Leal, Masen (Marie Irish) Leal, Andrew (fiance Toni Fowler) Cantu, Ricketta Trumble, Sidney Trumble, Kaylee (Donovan Gray) Trumble, and Felicia (Juan) Ortiz; her grandmothers, Shirley (Terry) Stevens and Hope Leal; her mother and father-in-law, Mark and Cathy Mader; her mother-in-law, Sherry Turner; her brothers-in-law, Matt (Alexandra) Mader, Jesse Coan, Josh Coan, and Mark Mader; her sister-in-law, Tara McNew; her cousin, Crystal Gonzalez; many aunts and uncles, and other loving extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Madisen Lynn Marie Mader, her grandfather, Richard Sawvel , and aunt, Christine Mitchell.

A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Martin Chapel, 316 W. Broad St., Chesaning, on Tuesday, March 3, at 3:00 PM, with her brother, Andrew Cantu, officiating. Burial will follow at Ridge Road Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to the family.