Melva M. Gilbert

MADISON - Our Mom, Nana and GiGi passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, at her daughters' home and in the presence of her loved ones. She is now at peace and reunited with the one she missed so much, her cherished granddaughter, Erin Renee Leatherberry. Melva Mae Davis was born at home on Jan. 11, 1931, in Dane County, to Grace and Richard Davis, the third of four children born to them. She grew up in Dodgeville and McFarland, graduating from high school in 1949. Melva worked at UW Hospitals for 31 years, first in pediatrics at the "old" hospital and later in outpatient oncology clinic at the current location. She raised her two daughters on Madison's east side and later adopted a son, from Vietnam, whom she adored and greatly spoiled! Mom lived life on her own terms and with fierce independence, always making her own choices and decisions. While raising her daughters in the 1950's and 60's, she was the only working mom on the block. She was unquestionably the backbone of the family and the glue that held it together down through each generation. Recently, when asked what gave her the most joy in her life, her tearful answer was a resounding "My family - from day ONE." We knew that. If anyone had a need, Mom could be counted on to fill it, most times without being asked. Her grandchildren cherish the memories of their lives with their Nana, camping trips, decorating cookies, playing cards and board games, garage sales which always involved a bag of doughnuts and carton of chocolate milk in the backseat of her car, countless overnights at Nana's house and being allowed to do just about anything they wanted. Most of all they cherish the love and adoration she showed them every day of her life. In turn, they loved her just as much if not more. She has given them the most precious gift, herself, a wonderful, kind, giving, caring, selfless, fun-loving, beautiful grandmother any child or adult would be proud to call their own. After retirement Melva enjoyed volunteering at the Free Clothing Center for several years and was recently involved with the Dane County Timebank. She could be found at the Northside Farmers Market on Sunday mornings handing out literature and chatting with her northside neighbors. Her best times in later years were spent with her great-grandchildren who called her GiGi. Her devotion to them was unparalleled, her love for them unconditional. She gave them the priceless gift of pure love and received it from them in kind. Melva believed strongly in the power of education and the magic of children. In her honor, memorials will be given to the Mendota Elementary School Endowment Fund where her great grandchildren attend school. She spent many happy times there, never missing a talent show, program, play or potluck and especially enjoyed "Grandparents Thanksgiving Day." Melva will be forever missed by her daughters, Jeannie (Mike) Fiegel and Diane (Gary) Wales; son, Justin (Rebecca) Le; granddaughter, Jaimee (Zak) Bessac; grandson, Jason (Stacie) Leatherberry; granddaughter, Maya Le; and great-grandchildren, AJ Barlow, Andrew Barlow, Jocelyn Barlow, Aidan Leatherberry and Logan Leatherberry. Melva's one great sadness in life was losing her grandaughter, Erin Renee, in 1994. She always said Erin was "the prize rosebush in the family garden." Fly with Erin now, Mom, on the wings of your family's love. A celebration of Melva's life will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL, 401 Femrite Dr., on Monday, Oct. 1, 2007 at noon, with inurnment to follow. Friends may call at the cemetery chapel from 11 a.m. until the time of service. "My greatest treasure is my family." -Melva Gilbert