Melanie Jo (Blance) Hamilton passed away peacefully at her home in Melrose on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Melanie was born in Gouverneur, NY on February 25, 1955 to the late Joan (McDonald) Blance and William Blance. One of five children, Melanie grew up with a love of reading, theater, and music, performing lead roles in several high school plays.

After graduating from Watertown High School in 1973, Melanie moved to Boston and began a career as an assembler language programmer. She met her husband Steven Hamilton when they both worked at Commercial Union, and they married in 1988, remaining together for 38 years. Melanie left the workforce to be a stay-at-home mom to daughters Kate and Emily Hamilton, and the family bought their home in Melrose in 1992.

Melanie was very active in her local community, singing in the Wakefield Choral Society, serving on the board of the Arlington Children's Theater, and creating a children's theater program in Melrose based on Drama in the Park. She was very active in local homeschooling groups, and led knitting classes, book clubs, soapmaking demonstrations, and choral groups for homeschooled children in the area.

In 2016 she co-founded the Ugly Baby Soap Company, selling her hand-crafted natural soaps at local Farmer's Markets in Melrose, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester. She was a beloved fixture at the markets, roaming around and befriending other vendors. She told many people that she grew up on a farm and even had a cow named after her.

Melanie always had a big smile. She genuinely was always happy to see you and made you feel seen, like you lit up the room. She gave big strong hugs and didn't let go. She was the life of the party, and she made friends wherever she went, chatting with people in line at the bank or the grocery store. She ran weekly knitting and wine nights for a circle of friends, and made many happy memories traveling with her loved ones to New York City, Maine, Cape Ann, and her home of upstate New York.

Melanie was the beloved wife of Steven P. Hamilton with whom she shared nearly 38 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Kate Hamilton of Somerville, and Emily Hamilton of Melrose and her fiancé Faye Card of AZ. Dear sister of Sherry Tontarski and her husband Loren of W. Henrietta, NY, Joan Gregory and her husband Stephen of Marstons Mills, Shawn Blance of Clayton, NY and the late Bill Blance. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to honor Melanie's life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, May 12 from 4-8pm, and again at First Congregational Church, 121 W. Foster St., Melrose for her Funeral Service on Wednesday, May 13 at 10am. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.