In Loving Memory of Melody Mary Isenor
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Melody Mary Isenor, who left us far too soon on October 2, 2026. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Melody lived her life on her own terms—with creativity, determination, humour, and an unwavering love for her family.
Born in New Westminster, Melody grew up in Barnhartvale on a hobby farm with her parents and two sisters, Jill and Darlene. As the big sister, Melody naturally took on the responsibility of trying to keep her younger sisters in line—although that often meant finding herself caught up in their adventures right alongside them.
Life on the farm provided no shortage of stories. Animals had a habit of finding their way into places they probably didn’t belong, including a sheep that once ended up bouncing on a bed. There was also Blinkey, a favourite chicken who earned a special place in Melody’s heart. Some of Melody’s happiest early memories were spent riding her horse with her friend Laurie, learning alongside her dad, Jim, while he worked as an electrician, and attending pottery classes with her mother, Rita. These early experiences helped shape the capable, independent woman she would become.
In the spring of 1978, at 18 years old, Melody met Alan, and she knew almost immediately that he was the one. Alan took her to her graduation, and on May 7, 1983, they were married. Later that same year, they welcomed their son, Devon, followed by their daughter, Angelee, in 1985, completing the family that would always be at the centre of Melody’s world.
Of course, there was plenty of fun along the way. Melody shared many memorable nights out with her friends Judy and Debbie. The three had perfected the art of going out without paying for their drinks—some unsuspecting gentleman would pick up the tab, only for the women to eventually ditch him and head home to their boyfriends. It was the kind of harmless mischief and laughter that made for stories worth retelling for decades.
Melody and Alan spent most of their life together raising their family in Rayleigh. There, they formed a particularly special friendship with their next-door neighbour, Shelia. The two families looked out for one another, and Melody and Shelia became like aunts to each other’s children. It was much more than simply being neighbours; it was an extended family created through years of friendship, trust, and shared life.
Melody and Alan also loved the friendships and community they found in Rayleigh. They enjoyed gatherings at the Ciulka’s and many memorable Halloween parties, most of which were held at Bob and Laurie Hart’s. Melody’s remarkable creativity was always on full display in the elaborate costumes she made for herself and Alan, turning fabric, imagination, and countless hours of work into something unforgettable.
That creativity was one of Melody’s greatest gifts. She had an incredible artistic mind and was exceptionally talented with textiles, sewing, and crafts. When she became involved with the medieval society, and archery she found yet another outlet for that talent, meticulously creating period costumes for herself and Alan to wear to events. She didn’t simply make things—she poured herself into them. She also found an eternal friendship with Jeannie, within the society and these memories will stay with her forever.
Melody loved Christmas and the joy of celebrating with her family. Her collection of nutcrackers grew into an army over the years, becoming a much-loved part of her Christmas decorations. Each holiday season brought another opportunity to fill the house with her creativity, festive spirit, and love.
Melody also loved taking photographs and had a keen interest in design. Her practical skills and creativity came together when she helped design and build the family home, installing all the wood and tile floors herself. The home they shared held her handiwork as well as the memories they made together.
For 26 years, Melody worked at Sears, beginning in the sewing department and working in several other departments over the years, including electronics and appliance sales. Along the way, she built lasting friendships with many of the people she worked alongside.
Away from work, some of Melody’s favourite times were the simplest ones: camping with extended family, fishing, sitting beside a lake, and enjoying the company of the people she loved. She and Alan spent many weekends fishing with Bob and Sherri’s family and Uncle George’s family, making memories that would stay with them for years.
Later in life, Melody took enormous joy in becoming a grandmother to Ryker and Tenley. She loved spending time with them, crafting together and creating memories during family trips to Vancouver and Penticton. Being their grandmother gave Melody another generation to share her imagination, creativity, and love with.
Melody could be wonderfully headstrong. She knew her own mind, wasn’t afraid to speak it, and throughout her life carved a path that was distinctly her own. She was creative, independent, determined, and deeply devoted to the people she loved.
Her life was made up of so many things: horses and chickens, fabric and costumes, photographs and home projects, camping trips and lakeside afternoons, neighbourhood gatherings, Halloween parties, Christmas celebrations and her army of nutcrackers, nights out with friends, family vacations, crafts with her grandchildren, and a love story with Alan that began when she was 18.
But more than anything, Melody loved her family, and we loved her.
Her passing leaves an absence that cannot be filled, but it also leaves a lifetime of stories—some touching, some hilarious, and many that will be told again and again.
She will be deeply missed by her husband Alan, her son Devon, her daughter Angelee, her grandchildren Ryker and Tenley, her sisters, extended family, and the many friends whose lives became intertwined with hers.
Melody was headstrong enough to carve her own path, creative enough to make it beautiful, and loved enough that those who knew her will continue carrying pieces of her with them wherever their own paths lead.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 8, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Kamloops, 635 Tranquille Rd.
Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
