Melonie Isaac

Melonie Jane Isaac passed away after illness on July 18, 2024 in Fergus Falls, MN. She was born on May 6, 1951 in Berkeley CA.

She grew up in and around Berkeley, where her father, Don, was a biology professor. He would take Melonie and her sister on many adventures, such as trips to the natural history museum in San Francisco and backpacking in the high mountains. Her mother, Nat, was involved with community activities, especially through the Methodist church. Accomplished at the arts and crafts of daily living, Nat extended her repertoire with interests such as photography and stained-glass art. From her mother, Melonie learned a strong foundation in cooking, sewing, and gardening, and gained the certainty that she could figure out how to do anything she chose to do. From her father, she learned an intimate appreciation for our natural environment, and the will to study and question everything. She married Joe Newbrough in 1984. They had two children during their marriage, and were divorced in 1991. She never remarried. In 1995, she graduated with an Associates of Science from Contra Costa College. Much of her career was spent in office and computer related jobs. She retired in 2013 from the Vallejo Marina and moved to MN to be near family.

From her earliest days, she would make things with her hands. Although she had many experiences in crafting, from making sandals to soldering, Melonie's passion was in her work as a seamstress in both clothing and quilting. At one point she worked full time as a professional seamstress for the community, and accepted odd jobs even late in life. She made most of her own clothes as well as beautifully chaotic bed quilts and wall hangings that told stories. She also loved the garden, mainly growing vegetables to cook with fresh ingredients. Watching the garden bloom and offer its fruits was something that inspired her. A look of pure delight spread across her face at the first taste of each year's bounty. Flowers and house plants were there nearly every year, although in less abundance. She was a puzzle fanatic in table-top, puzzle-book, and mystery novel form. An avid book lover, she leaves behind a sizable collection of books. Other interests included jewelry making with beads made from natural materials (stone, glass, and wood), experimenting with food, and a deep study of nutrition and herbalism. Her interests in food, nutrition, and herbalism resulted in a fat little hand-written recipe journal, and endless hours of curiosity-sating discussions.

Melonie was self-assured, certain of what she wanted, and self-taught in many things. Her resourcefulness was uncanny. In using the tools that she had, she made life go forward one day at a time. She always put her children first, and was a strong mother. Something inside her was genuinely happy, and her memorable dry wit was only one manifestation. We might all know times in life that are difficult to walk through, and she was no stranger to these. Those who knew her saw the way she lived in joy despite those moments. She believed in seeing the beauty around her in the details that mattered, like family, friends and loved ones. Throughout her life, Melonie had animal companions. For the majority, they were cats. She once said, "cats are the most beautiful creature in the world." They were almost like children to her, and she spoiled them well.

Melonie is survived by her son, Robin "Rob" Newbrough, her daughter, Rebecca "Bekki" (Jeff) Newbrough of Fergus Falls MN, two granddaughters, Hannah and Nora Newbrough, sister Aurora "Aurie" Isaac, brother Brian (Yuko) Button, and nieces and nephews, as well as many friends in CA and MN. She is preceded in death by her father Donald "Don" Isaac, mother Nathalie "Nat" Button, step-father Richard "Dick" Button, step-mothers Elsa and Rene, and brother Craig Button.

A private memorial is planned.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com