With heavy hearts, the family of Melinda Knoerzer, announces her passing on July 9, 2013.

Melinda was born on August 26, 1959 to Floyd and Margaret Kettler of Argusville, NY. She was a graduate of Sharon Springs Central School, NY. She graduated from SUNY Cortland with a degree in Political Science. She later returned to Tompkins Cortland Community College to earn her Paralegal degree.

In addition to her mother, Melinda is survived by William (Bill), her loving husband of 24 years, and devoted children, Aaron and Meg. Also left to cherish her memory are sisters, Joy Darlene Munoz, Karen (Stuart Denike), and Cheryl (Chris Fonda), 3 nieces, 6 nephews, her husband's mother Grace and brother and sister-in-law, Allan and LuAnne.

Melinda began her working life at Greek Peak Ski Resort, Virgil, NY. She then practiced her paralegal skills at the law firms of O'Connor, Gayshock and Pope, Binghamton, NY, Biberstein and Nunalee, Burgaw, and at Ward and Smith, Wilmington.

Melinda's work with Pender County Government, was a constant source of pride and pleasure to her. First in the County Planning Dept, then as Clerk for the County Commissioners and most recently at Pender County Utilities, Melinda forged strong bonds with co-workers, who came to trust her honesty, integrity and efficiency. No matter where in Pender County Government she served, she brought her "˜A' game!

She was devoted to God and family, into which she welcomed many friends who became extended family. Her heart and her door were always open, and those who entered were treated to great warmth and sincere caring.
She served for 6 years on the Pender Athletic Boosters Club, with her usual heavy dose of enthusiasm and Patriot Pride, especially as both of her children were very active in school sports. The exact number of bar-b-q sandwiches she dished out at the Blueberry Festival is unknown, but probably legendary!

Firmly believing that every major event in your life has a reason and a purpose, she used her diagnosis of ovarian cancer in '09, as a gateway to inform as many groups and events as possible, of the varying symptoms one might experience that could lead to an earlier diagnosis, and therefore a possible cure. She served as Pender County Relay for Life Chairperson for the past 2 years, and participated as keynote speaker at this year's Survivor's Dinner. She inspired and amazed all who knew her; she never let a bad day interrupt her planned activities, especially if someone was counting on her.

The family extends grateful thanks to Dr. Walter Gajewski and his staff at Zimmer Cancer Center, especially Melinda Perritt RN. We also thank Dr. Andrew Burchuck of Duke University for being our first guide and director through this journey. The care and compassion they all extended to Melinda as we navigated the stormy waters of cancer, were unsurpassed. We are comfortable in the knowledge that no stone was left unturned as a search for her cure progressed.

Many thanks also go to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, for their attentiveness and guidance during the last few weeks of her life, and for allowing us to be comfortable sending Melinda to well deserved glory and respite, from home.

A Memorial and Celebration of Melinda's life is planned for Saturday, July 13th at 11 o'clock, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 612 S. College Rd., Wilmington

Gifts in her memory may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

A celebration of Melindaâ