Wanda Melion Obituary, Death – Wanda Melion (Cadwell), 71 years old, a resident of Portage, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly at St. Mary Medical Center on Monday, November 21, 2022. In the year 1951, on August 25th, she came into the world in Valparaiso, Indiana, to her parents, Donald and Erma Jean Cadwell. Wanda is survived by her husband, Clarence Melion; her children, son Brian (Natalie) Johns and daughters Amy (Creig) Wilfong and Emily Johns; her four grandchildren, Billy Murphy, Jay (Erin Shine) Murphy, Kaylee (Shawn Laster) Miller, and Travis Johns; her two brothers, Donald Cadwell of New Caney, Texas, and Bruce (Julie) Cadwell of Fort Wayne, Indiana; three sisters Drucilla ( Her parents, Donald Cadwell and Erma Jean Cadwell, as well as her cherished son, Timothy Johns, all passed away before Wanda did.
She was the personification of love itself. She had an impact on the lives of a large number of children and people in her communities through the way she raised her children as well as the children of many other people. She participated in activities such as the Hobart Tiger Sharks, the Hobart High School Swimming Team, 4H, and Girl Scouts. As her own children got older, she welcomed additional children into her heart and home over the course of many years. Everyone who visited her house referred to her as either Mom or Grammy at all times.
As a result of the passing of her son, she was given the honor of being a Gold Star Mother. This introduced her to an entirely new set of relatives. She became involved with organizations such as the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation, the Indiana Fallen Heroes, the Indiana Patriot Guard, and Honor and Remember – Indiana. Her passion for sewing led to the production of stunning embroidered works that she donated to charitable organizations.
In addition to that, she participated in the Relay for Life of Lake County. She was there for both of her daughters throughout their battles with cancer. She participated in a number of events and craft fairs to raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer. Her Relay family will long for her love and hugs and will remember her fondly. Before illness and injury put an end to her running career, she was a devoted runner. She had completed a number of 5K races, 10K races, and marathons. For a number of years, she was an active member of the Calumet Region Striders.
On Thursday, December 8, 2022, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm, friends are invited to pay their respects to Wanda’s family and celebrate her life at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel & Crematory located at 370 N. County Line Road in Hobart, Indiana 46342. A Celebration of Life will take place from 4:00 until 5:00.