Melanie Fike passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, after living a full and rewarding life while fulfilling her purpose on earth.
With tremendous faith and dignity, Melanie fought a six year long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Melanie was born on November 27, 1962, to Peter L. and Betty Candiano. While growing up in Hobart, she had many interests including youth bowling, teen beauty pageants, and competitive baton twirling. Melanie graduated from Merrillville High School in 1980.
Melanie is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, William “Bill” Fike. Bill was the love of Melanie’s life, her true soulmate. Together, they had two children, Jesse Fike and Jaimie (Ryan) Moore. Melanie is also survived by her mother, Betty Candiano; her siblings Thomas (Phyllis) Candiano, Timothy (Karen) Candiano, Kathy (Mark) Horvat and Pete Jr. (Susan) Candiano. Additionally, Melanie leaves many loving nieces, nephews, and extraordinary friends to honor her legacy of love.
Melanie was preceded in death by her father, Peter L. Candiano, and her in-laws Joseph and Wilma Hamilton.
Melanie’s beloved grandchildren, Micah and Rosalie Moore, were the light of her life! She was a very devoted grandma who carefully planned many fun play dates and sleepovers to create wonderful and lasting memories.
Even as her illness advanced, Melanie remained steadfast in her commitment to her grandchildren and never missed their school activities, Micah’s basketball games, or Rosalie’s dance recitals. She enjoyed taking care of her flower gardens and birds, and her happy place was sitting in the sun on a beach.
Melanie’s life was dedicated to faith, family, and spreading Christian love to those in need of compassion and hope. Her Christian devotion also led Melanie to establish Little Blessings Ministry. The mission of LBM is to minister to those who are shut in, sick, or in need of hope and compassion. LBM spreads love and cheer by mailing cards or delivering little treats with prayer cloths and prayer pockets. The response to these acts of kindness has been profound. LBM has touched countless lives.
Services are 12 p.m. on. Thursday, March 28, at Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport, with Pastor Walter Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Patronville.
Visitation is 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.
Friends may leave a condolence for the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
