Melanie Ann DiVasta, of Boston, and formerly of North Reading, MA, passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2023, at the age of 47.
Melanie was born August 28, 1975, to Maureen and Paul DiVasta at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where she spent three short years before moving to North Reading, MA. After graduating from North Reading High School in 1993, Melanie studied hospitality and hotel management at Boston University.
Finding college life to be more exciting than college studies, Melanie left BU early to start a nearly two-decade career in the hotel industry first at the Westin Copley Place then Le Meridien/Langham Boston. Melanie later shifted gears entirely, becoming a software tester for health and medical software. She finally seemed to find her perfect role in the last year, returning to the hotel industry with MGM Grand to become a program manager for an in-development application.
The North End of Boston has been Melanie’s home since she left BU, much to the chagrin of her parents and friends who were often enlisted to help move in or out of her various apartments, none with elevators or parking. Her love for the Clock Tower and the lights of Christopher Columbus Park are well documented in frequent Facebook selfies, moments in time that capture the beauty of her home, the radiance of her smile and, most of the time, a large Dunkin Iced.
Melanie never married, and never had children of her own, but she loved her feline fur babies Buffy, then Phoenix, and adored her nieces and nephews. But perhaps more than anything, Melanie loved music – from the early days of NKOTB, to more recent “meet and greets” with Keith Urban, if Melanie wasn’t working, she was listening to music or planning to listen to live music somewhere. Her home-away-from home and perhaps the only place she would have considered leaving the North End for was Nashville, where she established herself as a regular fan of several local artists.
Melanie is predeceased by her father, Paul, and is survived by her mother Maureen, stepmother Renee, stepfather Karl, brothers Brian, Chris and Mike, sisters Christi and Laura, as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family.
Her Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:30 AM, at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street in North Reading, MA. Visitation will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, MA; alternatively, Melanie would love it if you bought a ticket to that concert you weren’t sure of, because that’s what she would do. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
I am so sorry to the entire family of Mel #8 will always hold a special place for all of us bingo nuts. Just from talking to her on a bingo site i thought i knew her i knew i really liked her whit and personality but after reading this obit she was so much more and the horrendous way she passed was unexpected and awful. RIP Mel we will honor you and your #8 and chicken leg 11.
Sending my condolences to all of Melanie’s loved ones. She will always be missed and remembered by so many. Rest in Peace Melanie.
We are so sorry to hear of Melanie’s passing . She was so full of compassion for everything just met her on a online group but talked a lot to her. The world has lost a very special person
Our deepest sympathy to her family
The Hadley’s
Melanie I will miss you so much! I will always remember our travel adventures and all the shows we went too. And anytime I end up in the lincoln tunnel in New York, I hope you will guide me the right way home. Rest in peace my friend ❤️
My sincere condolences to all of her family. So sorry for your loss.
Condolences and prayers to all family.
I had the pleasure of being Melanie’s colleague at the Langham Boston for several years. She was a wonderful person, someone who was always easy to talk to and more than willing to help when someone was in need. She must have chosen to work in hospitality because of her good nature, compassion and empathy. I will miss her and I know the Boston Hospitality industry will as well.
. Hi Chris!
My heart goes out to Melanie’s family and close ones.
Mel I will miss our laughs at The Landing this year always a great time. Rest in Peace my sweet friend.
So sorry for the loss of Melanie. I never met her in person but I hung around with her in some online groups. We have the same birthday. Her presence was always joyful and a blast. Our groups are saddened by the loss. Deepest sympathy to Mel’s family and friends. A tragic loss. 8/28 mc ❤️
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
So sorry to hear of Melanie’s passing. She was always so pleasant. She will be missed by many of us in our little group. I didn’t know her personally, but she was like the kind of person you wanted to get to know. Prayers for her family.
This breaks my heart. We grew up together and went to school together at North Reading Junior High school. Although we lost touch over many years I have never forgotten her laughter and just being the great person she was. I live in Texas now and happened to stumble upon this awful announcement. With deepest sympathy to her family. Mel was a great person. – Melissa Lang
I worked with Melanie in the hotel industry for many years and know that she will be missed by so many. Melanie was an authentic and dynamic presence in our professional lives and meant so much to her colleagues. My heart goes out to her friends and relatives at the loss of our vibrant and caring Melanie.
Judy and I are so sorry for this terrible loss. We want to offer our sincerest condolences to Maureen and her entire family.
Sweet, sassy, fun, and beautiful Melanie. You will be missed by many. I hope your transition to paradise was a welcomed journey. Love you to the moon and back, lady!
So sorry for your loss Maureen and family
I miss you every day, Mel. You’re never too far from my thoughts. Our little 808 friend group is heartbroken without you. Thank you for the impact you had in my life. You were always positive, smiling, finding the funny when things weren’t all that funny, and ready for to whatever adventure was around the corner. Sending prayers and condolences to your family that you loved so much.
Boy do I miss you. Days are not the same without our texts. I’m so glad god brought us together COVID and thankful for our friendship. It was cut way too short. Until we meet again ❤️
Im so sorry for the family’s loss. I still remember recess at Hood school & Melanie would bring her boombox & Prince cassette & we would all have a ball to Let’s go crazy. And of course, Hampton beach days in front of the McDonalds during high school. Though I haven’t seen you Mel in literally well over 20 years, we had some nice random chats on social media…some about music others just life stuff. I’m sorry I haven’t seen you in so long but have often thought of you…especially when thinking about music & concerts. I’ll be looking for the next country concert on my bucket list. Rest in peace. Love & prayers to the family.
I am so sorry to hear about Melanie’s passing. She was a lot of fun to be around and she will be missed. I went to a Keith Urban concert with her about 12 years ago and we had 3rd row seats, we had the best time. I will think of her whenever I hear a Keith Urban song. Sending heartfelt condolences to her family.
Mel, it’s been a crash course learning what it’s like not to have you in my life, cheering me through my day, leaving me positive, funny or poignant messages to always encourage and uplift. You are so missed and loved and I’ll always treasure the memories our friendship gave. ❤️