Melanie G. Stith

Melanie G. Stith, a shining light in the lives of all who knew her, passed away on February 6, 2025 at the age of 62. She left the world after a lengthy battle with metastatic breast cancer, after having previously beaten cancer more than a decade ago.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 3, 1962, Melanie was the beloved daughter of the late Marilyn (Jacobs) Freese and step-father Jon (Jack) Freese, as well as her deceased father Robert Stith. She is survived by her step-father; her two brothers, Jeff Stith and Eric Stith; and her children, Jason C. Moyer and Emily Moyer.

Melanie attended Seneca Valley High School in Germantown, Maryland, where she enjoyed being a varsity cheerleader and morning announcer. She graduated with honors in the class of 1980. After graduating, she attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia from 1980 to 1984. She graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology.

After living and working in Chicago and Philadelphia in her twenties, Melanie returned to be near family. Back in Maryland, Melanie embarked on the wonderful journey of motherhood, welcoming her son Jason Christopher Moyer on February 20, 1991 and her daughter Emily Brooke Moyer on February 9, 1994. Melanie’s two children were her source of pride and joy; the loves of her life.

As a devoted single mother, Melanie dedicated herself to supporting her family by becoming a primary school teacher. For 26 years, she shaped young minds as an elementary school teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools. Her passion for learning was contagious, and she built lasting, positive relationships with her students. She cherished the camaraderie of her colleagues and found joy in the strong sense of community at the schools where she worked: Stedwick Elementary and Clarksburg Elementary. Melanie continued her education while teaching others; she earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Maryland in 1995. She earned her Administrator's Certificate at McDaniel University in 2014. She was a lifelong student as well as an instructor. She was only a few credits and a thesis shy of receiving her doctorate, and she was in the process of becoming a principal before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In December, 2019, Melanie met a wonderful man named Dave DiPietro, a DC firefighter of over 30 years, and they quickly formed a deep connection. At the end of March, 2020, she received the heartbreaking news that the breast cancer, which she had fought and believed she had beaten back in 2010, had returned and spread, becoming metastatic. She retired shortly after learning of the diagnosis. Dave has been her best friend, confidante, and loving partner, staying by her side with steadfast devotion throughout COVID-19 and her health challenges.

Melanie happily married Dave on January 29, 2021. They had many happy years of retirement together. They enjoyed traveling and went on many trips together, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Aruba, Key West, Hilton Head, Miami, and the Bahamas. During her retirement, she was active in the local community, including the Ladies of Landsdale group, book clubs, and shared her courage with multiple cancer support groups. These communities became a source of strength, laughter, and friendship, bringing her immense comfort and purpose during her journey. Dave selflessly cared for Melanie throughout her final months, drawing on his experience as a trained first responder and Emergency Medical Technician.

Melanie was the embodiment of resilience. Her courage and strength during her battle with cancer was an inspiration to all. Her commitment to education was infallible and she inspired countless students, family members, and colleagues. Melanie’s love for family and friends was a testament to the beauty of her inner soul. She left behind a legacy of loving memories.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15 at the Landsdale Community Center (4500 Arboretum Dr, Monrovia, MD 21770) beginning at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, Melanie's family requests donations in her memory to one of the following charities:
●    METAvivor - METAvivor is the only organization that solely funds MBC research through a scientific peer review process. Very little money from most breast cancer fundraisers, only 2-3%, is dedicated toward research for Stage IV, metastatic breast cancer. https://donate.metavivor.org/give/318818/#!/donation/checkout
●    Mary's Place By the Sea - Mary’s Place by the Sea was founded in 2009 with the compassionate belief that women with cancer need a place to go and be surrounded by love and understanding. Steps from the sea, Mary’s Place has welcomed 15,000 women through its doors – each treated with compassion and care that meets their individual needs and allows them to connect with other women who share their journey. https://www.marysplacebythesea.org/make-an-impact/donate-now/