Melodee Wright
June 15, 1944 ~ April 8, 2023
Melodee Wright, 78, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 8, 2023. She was born in Wichita, Kansas and lived there all her life although her travels took her around the world.Melodee began her career in the offices of B.F. Goodrich, then became Purchasing Manager at International Cold Storage where she retired after 30 years.She loved sports (especially football), crosswords, Sudoku, game shows, popcorn and music. She directed her church choir at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian.Melodee's greatest passion was 4-part harmony, barbershop style and she was director of the Wichita Chorus of Sweet Adelines International for more than 30 years. She also coached many choruses and quartets. She was a 3rd generation barbershopper as her mother and grandmother were also Sweet Adelines.She sang tenor in her quartet, Shondells. In 1971, the Shondells were asked to do a USO tour in Japan, Okinawa, The Philippines, and Guam singing to our servicemen in hospitals. A second tour in 1972 took them to Vietnam, flying in helicopters from camp to camp performing for and talking with the troops, bringing them a taste of home.In 1977, the Shondells won the International Quartet Championship at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. They were crowned Queens of Harmony.Melodee was surrounded by loving family and friends. She is survived by 3 nieces, Astra, Polly and Nova, who live in Australia and cousins, Carolyn, Marilyn and Roger from Missouri.We will miss her talents, kindness, guidance, and generosity. Heaven has gained an angel.A memorial service will be held on April 29, 2023, Downing & Lahey Mortuary, 6555 E Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67206 at 2:00 PM, followed by a social hour at the same location.Memorials have been established with the Wichita Chorus of Sweet Adelines, 11526 W. Chartwell Circle, Wichita, KS 67205, and with Harry Hynes Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.
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Melodee, thank you for the music.
Patty
Melody was a cousin whom I enjoyed her occasional visits with her mother and Grandmother and their sharing about Sweet Adeline’s among other things. We always had a good watermelon from Dads garden or a cook out. Those were good times. Love and prayers to her family‼️❤️‼️
Melodee, You gave so much to all of us. Thank you for all the hugs and all the harmony. Love you to the moon and back.
The Bible provides an encouraging message of hope at Rev 21:4 to …”wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore”… So sorry for your loss!
The Singing Angel
A little girl, lost at sea
Searching for a safe place to be
Drifting away, taken by life’s tide
Further from love, nowhere to hide
She cries out for help; she looks high and low
Is anybody there?.. Where did you go?
She started to doubt, and fear crept in
Until she heard a voice, deep from within
Aunt Melo sings, “Dear little one, I’ve been here all along!
But my time has come to learn a new song
Don’t lose faith, you are so loved
Just trust in me, and the heavens above”
The girl stops suddenly, in the midst of the big blue
“Aunt Melo, I dreamt something awful happened to you?”
“Dear child, I’ve lived with laughter, song and love
But I’ve come home to the heavens above”
Aunt Melo sings a tune, leading the girl to shore
Reassuring her, “I’ll sing to you, forever more”
Basking in her love, she knew in times of need
She’d hear her Singing Angel, her Aunt Melody
I love you, Aunt Melo.
Polly
Melodee will be missed by the entire family. She always brought a cheerful demeanor to everything she touched. I will cherish the memories! Our prayers go out to Leilani at the loss of her life partner.
Cousin Marilyn
Our musical genius cousin Melo!
A fun loving and talented cousin and one I had the opportunity to sing with (as well as her Mother and Grandmother) in Sweet Adeline’s many years ago….and this was after being her baby sitter when her Dad was in the Navy. Melo always welcomed calls, visits, and sharing stories of family. Her ever-ready smile and gracious company will be long remembered and missed. 🙏
In a world full of predictable paths, Melo walked her own unique journey. I saw Melo and Aunt Ila every holiday season as they drove up from Wichita to Kansas City. She was family and yet as a young boy, I knew she was someone who followed her passions. There was always an intrigue that I had about Melo and as I have aged, I appreciate her journey more and more from her faith and expression of love. And she was always up for play- from going to the casino with my mom to playing card games around the dining room table. Her laugh I will always remember. And its a laugh, a playfulness and courage I hope we all find within ourselves as well. Rest well, Melo.
I have fond memories of Melodee during the many holiday get togethers we had. I remember her playing with me as a little boy and how she always seemed to have a smile. Everyone was exited for her arrival. Our trips to Wichita were a big event. I remember nutcrackers, a violin on the wall and a telephone pole on the side of the house that I was not supposed to climb, but tried anyway.
God Bless You Melodee,
Brian Inman