HAUGEN, Melanie
July 29, 1962 – August 11, 2017

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved, beautiful and brave daughter and sister, Melanie Michelle Marilyn Haugen on August 11, 2017, in Calgary. She succumbed to a recently diagnosed congenital heart condition known as “bicuspid aortic valve.” Melanie leaves to mourn, her parents, George and Marilyn Haugen, brother, Gavin Haugen (Norma-Jean Monague) of Ottawa, and sister, Lara Konwitschny (Brian) of Calgary. She will also be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews, Natasha, Max and Ben Konwitschny, and Callum, Fiona and Julianna Haugen, as well as extended family and friends.

As a young teen, Melanie worked with the Sears Teen Council, and was also runner-up in Miss Teen Calgary. Melanie received her BA in Political Science at the U of C and also completed many classes toward a Master’s Degree in Communications. She worked for the City of Calgary for over 30 years in various marketing and communication roles, and her expertise was utilized by Parks & Recreation, the Mayor’s Office, and City Manager’s Office.

Melanie demonstrated creativity, passion and drive in all that she did. She completed eight years of piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music, and was also gifted with a lovely voice which we enjoyed hearing during church services. She loved going to the mountains and being by the ocean, and spoke fondly of her recent trip to Norway with her mother, where they visited many wonderful relatives. Melanie appreciated birding, gardening and tennis, and loved discovering new things, whether it be a restaurant, movie or a touristy destination. Her strong sense of justice caused her to successfully chase down a purse snatcher in Portugal, and her kind heart made her reach out to those who needed her. Melanie loved to research everything. Her family and friends never bothered to take the time to “google” – they just asked Melanie. She was a shining light to our family and Melanie will be forever loved and remembered.

A Service of Remembrance will be held in Calgary at Hope Lutheran Church (3527 Boulton Rd NW) on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 1:00 pm. To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Melanie, please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.