It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Melanie Ruth Byrne on November 2, 2026. Melanie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Douglas Hoff. She leaves behind her oldest sister, Delores Martynek, her nieces, nephews, cousins, and the many friends who were her chosen family. She also leaves behind her four beloved fur babies, Freckles, Monkey, Lucy and Little One, who brought her so much companionship and joy.
If you wanted to know what unconditional love and friendship looked like, you only had to know Melanie. She had a remarkable ability to see what others might overlook in people, instinctively knowing when someone needed care, understanding, or support. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved, often putting their needs before her own. Once Melanie took you under her wing, you knew you had someone in your corner.
Melanie was strong-willed, wonderfully stubborn, quick-witted, and had a sense of humour that could catch you completely off guard. She had a sharp mind and a clever way of getting what she wanted, often letting others believe they had the upper hand when she knew otherwise. Melanie did things her own way, on her own terms, and rarely saw a reason to do otherwise. She could be exasperating and endearing in equal measure, but she was always unapologetically herself.
For 25 years, Melanie dedicated much of her life to fostering children, opening her home and heart to those who needed love, stability, and a place to belong. She also served as Vice-President of the BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations, drawing on her education in Social Services to advocate for children, foster parents, and the professionals who supported them. Her commitment to helping others extended well beyond her own home.
Melanie had a genuine curiosity about people, places, and the world around her. She fondly remembered her many trips to Jamaica and enjoyed staying connected to her community, whether attending council meetings, following politics, or taking in local events like the River Rats Festival. She loved music and could spontaneously break into song in the middle of a phone conversation, whether you were expecting a performance or not. With her quick wit, strong opinions, and wonderful sense of humour, there was rarely a dull moment with Melanie.
Melanie was a cat person through and through, with a soft spot for any stray cat that crossed her path, often making sure they never went hungry. She also had a special place in her heart for Ava, a little poodle she often cared for, and Angus, who knew her as Auntie Melanie.
Melanie’s Christian faith was an important part of who she was. She had a strong belief in Jesus and once told her niece she was going to be jealous because she was going to get to meet Jesus soon. Melanie looked forward to going to Heaven and being reunited with the loved ones who had gone before her. That faith brought her comfort and peace as she approached the end of her life.
Melanie had one special request for those she loved: to listen to Alan Jackson’s Sissy’s Song after she passed. It was a song she wanted to leave with the people who would miss her.
Melanie will be remembered for her enormous heart, her fierce loyalty, her stubborn determination, her quick wit, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. She was truly one of a kind, and those fortunate enough to have been loved by her will carry a little piece of her with them always.