Melinda Shumard Swallow

1956 - 2016

May 27, 1956 - March 27, 2016

On Easter Sunday, March 27, we lost a unique and beautiful soul. Melinda Shumard Swallow, 59, was taken from us suddenly, when her heart began failing, due to a prolonged battle with pulmonary hypertension. Born in San Diego in 1956, Melinda's battle with her health had been a life-long one, though she always faced each day with grace and strength. The recipient of an artificial heart valve while in her 30's, she had accepted that hospital visits and surgeries would become part of her life. For five years, she struggled with the difficulties in breathing and fatigue associated with her hypertension, but she never let it decrease her spirit or her love of doing for others and living life on her own terms.

Melinda's greatest love, outside of her husband and family, was in the giving of her time and energy to help her friends (and at times, perfect strangers) and those in need. She selflessly offered herself, many times ignoring the compromises to her own well-being. Besides her passion and love for her husband, Matthew, she also enjoyed a lifelong passion for her chosen craft, hairdressing. For over 35 years she operated as a licensed cosmetologist, working in several shops in Vallejo, until in 2015, she took over ownership of the hair salon at Brookdale Vallejo Hills Senior Living. For Melinda, ownership of a beauty shop was the achievement of a lifelong dream and she gave her all to make sure it was successful.

Melinda loved to bake, and every holiday season the aroma of fresh-baked pies would fill the house. Among the many social activities Melinda enjoyed, she included spending time with her friends at the top of that list. Being a part of their lives meant everything to her, and she was always finding reasons to go spend time with them. Whether it was wine tasting or a simple night out, playing bocce ball or even sharing the stage with her husband, singing karaoke, she always lived life as full as her condition would allow her.

She is survived by her husband, Matt Swallow of Vallejo; son, Greg Carmichael of Vallejo; stepson, Michael Swallow of Vacaville; father, William "Rus" Shumard of Vallejo; sister, Sandra (Jim) Vargas of Colorado Springs; niece, Arianne Ritz of Vallejo; her great-nephews, Anthony Stoner and Mark Withers, Jr, both of Vallejo; Jimmy (Debbie) Vargas, Sally (Mike) Porter, Steve Vargas and their families, all of Colorado.

As Melinda was a lover of animals, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Benicia-Vallejo Humane Society.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, April 16, at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo. Inurnment will be private at All Souls Cemetery, Vallejo.

Cremation and arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo, (707) 552-6696. www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com.