05/09/2025
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Melanie R. Manger.
Melanie R. Manger passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, April 28, 2025, she was 34 years old.
Melanie arrived 2 weeks late on a warm September morning. She was warm and cozy and in no rush. She was however, "nosey", from the start, and greeted the doctor "face first" as if to say, "hello world, I'm here!" She never slowed down, stealing food from her daycare friend at 6 months, forcing mom to make her real lunches and ditch the baby food. She was naturally curious and remained so into adulthood. She loved exploring nature, going on walks (especially along the Delaware Canal, where she took some beautiful pictures of the view and wildlife), taking lazy drives up the River Road to the Lumberville General Store for strawberry danish, visiting museums, and spending time walking the beach to find shells.
She was active as a child and participated in karate, then baseball (not softball, "that ball is too big") and made the All Star Team when she was 8. She dabbled in soccer and then the love of cheerleading developed. She flew high for Council Rock Competition Cheerleading then Council Rock North and finally cheered for World Cup Odyssey. She excelled in what she set her mind too. She was selected to participate in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, for 3 years, through her competition cheerleading for Council Rock and even high-fived Jerry Rice while on the field.
She loved her family and friends and spent time during the summer months, when school was out, with her cousins at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jeff's. She loved to have fun. She also loved her pets, Nittany, our first cat, had the pleasure of being dressed up and pushed around in Melanie's baby carriage. Then came Pepper, her little Shih Tzu. While at Mesa Community College in Arizona, she and Chris, rescued a newborn pup off the side of the road. They went straight to PetSmart and Mel learned how to feed and nurture that tiny pup, Kiera Elle, into a feisty, but loveable, snuggling, Stratfordshire Terrier. When Kiera got too big to hide in the student apartment, Melanie, placed her on a plane home to Newtown. When Melanie moved to New York, Arnold, came into her life. She loved him deeply and he offered her unconditional love. She liked walking him in the park and snuggling with him on the couch.
She had a passion for fashion and an eye for decorating. She began her studies at Mesa Community College in Arizona then was accepted at the Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY, where she finished her Associates Degree in Fashion Merchandising followed by her Bachelor's Degree in Production Management. She worked for Valentino, Balenciaga, Jimmy Choo, and most recently, Louis Vuitton, her dream job. She loved her role there and they all loved her. She recently traveled to Milan and then to Dallas to set up events.
Melanie had a large heart and filled it with love for her family and friends. She adored her Niece Quincy and Nephew Nathan, and of course, her brother Travis and Jackie. Pictures of them always brought a smile to her face and a chuckle, "Quincy is so funny!" or "Nathan is so calm and laid back". Melanie recently went to the Philadelphia Zoo with them and had such a wonderful time with her mini-me. She enjoyed attending the Eagles games, Phillies games, Flyers and Sixers, often with Cristina, and if not in person, then on TV. It was pure joy for her when the Eagles won the Super Bowl this year. She enjoyed the time she spent with friends, sitting around talking, playing with their kids, their dogs, going out to eat, going for drives along the Delaware River, or taking a Barre Class together.
Melanie had deep love for her Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop Stroup and Grandma and Grandpa Manger. There were many great memories made over the years with them along with her many cousins. Christopher, came into her life in middle school. They remained close when they both went to college, started their careers, and later married on 6/4/21. They were each other's confidant, supporter, and shared an enduring love for each other, over the many years.
Traditional school was a challenge, but apparently, she was listening and absorbing after all. She was into all the social events growing up and was class president of the ninth grade. She was not shy at public speaking. Sports provided her with that confidence. She became a successful, professional, business woman. She was very sharp in the things that mattered to her and business savvy. She was sensitive, thoughtful, and grateful for the many opportunities she had. She had a bright smile that could light up a room. She was very grateful for the many friendships she had made over the years and cherished each and every one of them. She loved simple things: coffee, fresh flowers (tulips were her favorite), eating cherry tomatoes for snacks, and listening to music. She loved her mom Barbara (nee Stroup) and dad Kurt Manger very much and often stopped by or called/texted to say "hi". We were her biggest cheerleaders and loved her unconditionally. We will love her forever.
Services and interment for Melanie will be private at the family's request. Memorial Contributions may be sent in Melanie's name to Bucks County SPCA of Lahaska buckscountyspca.org
