Melanie Moffat

Melanie Joanne Moffat, 52, died peacefully on April 5, 2022 at the Toronto General Hospital following a rejection of the transplanted lungs she gratefully received in 2017. She faced her death without fear, knowing how deeply she was loved both here and in the life to come.  Melanie is profoundly missed by her parents and step-parents Jeanne Moffat and Bob Fugere, Richard Moffat and Marion Moffat, sister Katherine Moffat and brother-in-law John Deweerd, close friend and valued workmate Chad Taylor, a wide circle of extended family and friends, and her four much-loved cats.

Melanie spent her early years in Bracebridge, and enjoyed many happy times at the family cottage on Pen Lake near Huntsville. She lived in several places in Ontario and graduated in Fashion Arts from Humber College in Toronto before moving to Nova Scotia a few years later. While there, she served as a key volunteer for several organizations including the Red Cross during 9/11, Greenpeace aboard its ship Esperanza as it researched the fishery and ocean around the Grand Banks, and the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.  She also volunteered at nurseries and gardens in the Annapolis Valley.

Returning to Ontario in 2006, she started Lakewinds Property Management, her own property management and garden design business in Muskoka three years later. She based it in Port Carling in 2015. Her business allowed her to integrate her love of nature and the environment, her creativity, and her entrepreneurial ideas with her desire to help people get the most out of their Muskoka experience. She cultivated abiding friendships with clients and suppliers alike. With her lung transplant, she became an ardent advocate for organ donation.  Her motto was “Live life to the fullest!” with an attitude of being "eternally grateful".

She leaves a legacy of generosity, compassion and joy in life. In lieu of flowers, Melanie would want you to sign your organ donor card, or make a contribution to the Red Cross, Muskoka Nature Conservancy or Habitat for Humanity.

A celebration of Melanie’s life will take place in June.