Melanie Anne Tyrer

MADISON/WINDSOR- Melanie Anne Tyrer, age 61, of Madison, passed away Thursday, May 10, 2018, at UW Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on Oct. 28, 1956, the daughter of Frank and Joanne (Morgan) Tyrer.  Melanie graduated from Sun Prairie High School.  After high school, with the help of job coaches, she worked for Pepsi Company for several years.  She later went on to work for Prairie Athletic Club.  When Melanie retired she became very involved in activities with REM and MARC, however, Mel’s true passion was the time she spent at Artworking, and it was here that she created many works of art.  She started out with bead making and turning out many beautiful necklaces.  Over the last year, she discovered she had a real knack for painting, and as of late, she had sold many pieces.  Mel was a very special person.  She had a warm, loving heart and most times a big smile on her face, but she also had a spirited and feisty side.  She touched the lives of many and truly was “our bright shiny star”.  Melanie is survived by her sisters, Marjorie (Dale) Kreitzman and Monica (Steve) Pesch; niece, Meredith (Peter) Marsden; nephews, Justin Wagner, Brent (Sara) Wagner, Colin Pesch and Griffin Pesch (Heather Wing); several great-nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as a huge support group of friends from REM, MARC and Artworking.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Marilyn Tyrer and Michele Tyrer.  Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 1 p.m., on Thursday, May 17, 2018, with Chaplain Nancy Davis presiding. Burial will be held at Windsor Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Mel loved bright colors, so please feel free to honor her memory by wearing bright colors to the services.  Memorials may be made to Artworking http://artworking.org/donate  or to MARC, 901 Post Road Madison, WI 53713 in Melanie’s memory.   Her family would like to thank all of the people at REM, MARC and Artworking who made it possible for Mel to enjoy a full and rewarding life.  A special thanks to Gretchen and Lisa, she truly loved you both.  Mel, I’m sure you are the brightest star in Heaven.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420