Melanie L. Como

Melanie “Mel” Loretta Como was born on October 26, 1939 in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Ray and Gladys Cramer, earned her glittery wings at the age of 81, on October 20, 2021. She “Went Home” surrounded by family after a long illness.
Melanie was raised in Elkhart IN and graduated from Elkhart High School in 1958. Melanie loved theater, dance and dramatic readings and was crowned Miss Elkhart and was first runner upper in the Miss Indiana Pageant.
Melanie met the love of her life, Ron Como on a blind date. They celebrated 57 years of marriage before Ron passed away in 2019. Melanie and Ron quickly started a family and raised 6 children together. Melanie was happiest being a mom and being surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
In 1985 Melanie started the local theater group “The Repertory Company Players” aka “The Company”. Melanie directed “The Company” for over 40 years, inspiring young performers to find their voice and explore the talents they were given. “The Company” was a family affair featuring Wendy, Paige, Melanie and Abby and often the younger grandchildren found their way into the footlights. The rest of the Como gang joined in running spots, designing sets and helping however they could. “The Company” performed for years at Carnival for the Arts and brought to life many Broadway musicals and plays including: A Chorus Line, Cabaret, Grease, Nunsense, Sound of Music, Chicago and Smokey Joe’s Café. Their cabaret style of productions drew crowds from all over Michiana. Their holiday production of “Singin and Dancin Into the Holidays” was a community favorite! Throughout production, Melanie could be found taking notes, creating magic in the way the shows were laid out and frequently changing the lineup nightly to make the show even more delightful and professional for the audience. “The Company” was a passion of Melanie’s, she loved the performers and musicians she worked with and till her last day was planning her next show.
Melanie leaves behind six children: sons, Ronald Como Jr. (LeAnn) and Paul Como (Hanna); and daughters, Melanie Como-Dits, Wendy Como, Paige Como-Howard (Jon), and Mary Como. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren: Ronald Como, Christopher Como, Abigail Como, Alexis Bishop, Amelia Bishop, Gabriella Bishop, and Tyler Dits; and great-grandson, Bastian Richardson. Melanie also leaves behind her most beloved chihuahua, Mouse, who never left her side.
Melanie was foremost a wife, mom and grandmother, but passion for the theater and service was also of great importance. Melanie was a member of Junior League and in April 1999 she was honored at the TCU Michiana 55 Plus Volunteer Awards.
During the summers, Melanie loved sitting peacefully on the deck of her home on Birch Lake surrounded by her children and grandchildren with a martini in hand. The beauty and magic of the water and sunsets always brought a smile to her face and never got old! And Melanie was also known to play a wicked hand of bridge!
The family would like to extend our thanks to the caregivers who tirelessly spent hours taking care of “Mrs. C” for the past year, Tonya, Tanya, Abby, Linda, Julie and Tara. We are truly grateful for all your kindnesses. We could not have done this without you. God Bless all of you. Thanks also go to the wonderful doctors, especially Dr. Paula Toth-Russell, Dr. Brian Jacobs, Dr. Michael Manbeck and Dr. Margaret Quate-Operacz. A special thanks also goes to Dana and Mel and everyone from Grace Hospice who provided loving care and peace in these last difficult days.
Friends and family are welcome to attend the visitation at McGann Hay Funerals/Cremations/Gatherings, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, Granger, on Monday, October 25 from 4-7 pm. The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 4pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend, on Tuesday, October 26 at 11:00 am, Father Terry Fisher, Rector, officiating. Entombment and committal services will follow in the St. Joseph Valley Memorial Mausoleum Chapel.
Donations may be made in Melanie’s memory to Real Services Meals on Wheels; or Grace Hospice. To send private condolences, please visit:http://www.mcgannhay.com/condolences.html