Adrienne Melena Obituary

Adrienne M. Melena

Jun 16, 1934 - Feb 7, 2023

Catawba Island

Adrienne Mary Melena, 88, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at her home with her children by her side in Port Clinton.

She was born June 16, 1934, in Garfield Heights, to Leonard and Elvira Wisneski. Adrienne graduated from Beaumont School for Girls in Cleveland Heights in 1952, then Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Adrienne started her career in PR with the Community Chest, then moved on to be a copywriter for the Ann Koblitz Advertising Agency, one of the first Cleveland ad companies owned by a woman.

In 1960, Adrienne married Donald R. Melena and started her second career as wife and mother. She was an active member of South Euclid Women's Club where she had several board positions. She was also a volunteer librarian at St. Margaret Mary where her children attended school. She was a long-standing member of Casino Committee and Company of Ignatius at St. Ignatius High School from 1979-1995.

After retiring to Port Clinton in 2000, Adrienne enjoyed many volunteer opportunities including work at Ottawa County Historical Museum. She belonged to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Port Clinton, where she served on the funeral luncheon committee and taught Children's Liturgy of the Word. In her free time, Adrienne enjoyed playing golf and bridge and cultivated a large group of friends throughout her life through those activities as well.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Judith Melena Smelser; son, Christopher F. Melena; and grandchildren, Jacob W. Melena, Nathan J. Melena, Samantha A. Smelser, and Carter R. Smelser.

Adrienne was preceded in death by her husband, Donald R. Melena; and son, Timothy J. Melena.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at NEIDECKER, CROSSER AND PRIESMAN FUNERAL HOME, 1124 Fulton Street, Port Clinton, Ohio, 43452. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 414 Madison St., Port Clinton, Ohio, 43452. Burial will follow at Catawba Island Cemetery.

Contributions can be made to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, or donate online at https://www.steinhospice.org/donation-opportunities/gifts-in-memory-or-in-honor/.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.