CRISS‚‚, Melanda Lynn

Left our world in the late hours of May 10, 2023, carried by the love of dedicated friends and family. Melanda died at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, after a long battle with breast cancer, at age 54. Born and raised in Dartmouth, Melanda lived a full and beautiful life. An avid filmgoer; hardly a year would go by without her annual top ten movies at TIFF. Melanda also loved television. She was always quick with a recommendation (always excellent). Her passion for travel remains unmatched. There are very few places in the world untouched by her humanity. Melanda was as equally passionate about food; whether it be dining in the best restaurants, or cooking a meal at home, Melanda appreciated all of the fine and luxurious pleasures of this life. Brilliant and tech savvy, Melanda spent the last 25 years working in the financial sector. The definition of resolute, Melanda walked through this life powerfully and on her own terms and that is how she chose to leave this world. Melanda is survived by her loving mother, Anne Criss, of Cole Harbour; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, who gave Melanda the foundations of a good life. Melanda is also survived by a wonderful circle of close friends, Saadia Ahmad, Sam Ghodsian, Aaron Martin, Floyd Kane, Talvinder Bhogal, Lisa Barnwell, and too many others to mention, but all of whom she will miss dearly. If you were lucky enough to be a friend of Melanda’s, she kept the people in her life laughing, while also being a very present, dependable, and most of all compassionate human being. Melanda was also the mother of two adorable dogs who she loved deeply, Six and Comet. In her last days, Melanda wanted everyone to know she enjoyed a privileged and wonderful life, but that she could no longer live in the reduced physical state she was in. So, she chose to control her exit from this world. Melanda said she has no idea what awaits her on the other side, but knew she was on a path to finding out, open to whatever the experience might be, and determined to watch over all of those she loved. As she will live forever in our hearts. Melanda’s remains are resting at Giffen Mack and Trull Funeral Home, where cremation will take place. A celebration of Melanda’s life will take place in June, in Toronto, Ont.