Melanie Gay Stewart, 67 of Winchester, VA, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Spring Arbor in Winchester.

Melanie was born in 1958 in Winchester, VA, the daughter of the late Harold and Marjorie Huffman Teets. She was a graduate of James Wood High School, Class of 1976 and received her Associate Degree in Science from Lord Fairfax Community College. Melanie also received her Clerical Studies Certificate and in 1982 earned her Clerk Typist Certificate.

Melanie loved her job at Mack Kerns Glass and then at Studio Arts where she was involved in every art and craft known. She was very talented at basket making and artwork.
Mel’s other great love was her cats, and she doted on every single one of them.

She married the love of her life, Michael Lee Stewart on November 11, 1989, at Michael’s family home in Winchester.

She leaves to cherish her memory, brother-in-law, John Foley, several cousins and her life-long friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Melanie is preceded in death by her sister, Diana Foley.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 1pm in Green Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Melanie to Winchester SPCA, 111 Featherbed Lane, Winchester, VA 22601 or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601.

We would especially like to thank the wonderful staff at Spring Arbor and Blue Ridge Hospice for their excellent care. There aren’t enough words of appreciation for all the help, and help seems not a big enough word for how exceptional the staff was.