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Melinda Marie Bronchik (nee Grampa), born on March 2, 1956, at Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
She was the loving daughter of Alfiero (Alfred) and Agnes Grampa, growing up in the close-knit community of Beech Bottom, WV. Melinda attended Brooke High School in Wellsburg, WV where she graduated as a noble member of the Class of 1974.
In June 1989, Melinda married the love of her life James (Jim) Bronchik. Their marriage of over 34 years was filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support for each other. Together, they embarked on a journey that would span several decades and many cherished memories. They initially made their home in St. Clairsville, Ohio, before relocating to Madison, Indiana, in December 1998. Later, they settled in West Lafayette, Indiana, where they continued to build a life filled with love, laughter, and enduring companionship.
Melinda was a remarkable woman who faced numerous significant medical challenges with incredible courage and determination. She was a true champion of organ transplant surgeries, having received a life-saving kidney transplant in August 2016. Her resilience and strength inspired all who knew her. Before becoming a devoted mother, Melinda pursued a fulfilling career at Wheeling- Pittsburgh Steel as the Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Sales and Marketing until 1992. She was known for her professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail, and was very proud of her work.
Melinda was a devout Catholic and found solace in her faith throughout her life. She will be remembered for her kind and loving nature, her passion for arts & crafts, sewing, baking, and cooking (especially Italian dishes), her sharp wit and sense of humor, as well as her love for thrifting and treasure hunting at garage sales. Melinda's favorite pastime was simply spending time with her beloved husband Jim. Whether watching television, going for car rides, or embarking on new adventures together, their happiness knew no bounds as long as they were together.
Melinda is survived by her husband Jim and their son Bryan, born on January 29, 1993, sharing a very special birthday with his grandfather, Melinda's father Alfred. Melinda's spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family, including her brothers John (Jean) Grampa, Rudy (Lois) Grampa, Bruno (Marianne) Grampa, numerous nephews and nieces, cousins, and other extended family and friends who knew and loved her.
A visitation for family and friends will be held in Melinda's honor on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 4pm to 6pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home - Elm Grove Chapel in Wheeling, WV. Her burial will take place privately on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation in Melinda's memory to the Village of Beech Bottom Beautification Fund, a project revitalizing the area she and her brothers called home. She was incredibly proud of her hometown and wanted nothing more than for Beech Bottom to receive the love that it gave to her and her family for so many years. Donations can be made in Melinda's name by visiting www.TMCFunding.com. A memorial bench and various other projects will be completed in her memory.
Melinda touched countless lives with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit, and her legacy will continue to inspire us all. Please share memories and condolences at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.