Melody Hope

Madison/DeForest - Melody Hope, age 59, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2015 with her family and friends by her side. Melody was born on May 7, 1956 in Independence, Iowa to Lawrence and Lola Nabholz. She was the youngest of four children, Lewis Nabolz, Carma Kucera, and Steve Nabholz. In 1982, Melody married her life partner, John Hope and they had two treasured children, Sam and Sarah Hope.

Melody spent the majority of her professional life as a partner with Hausmann-Johnson Insurance. She enjoyed her work family and many of her clients became lifelong friends. Melody was extremely active in civic and professional organizations throughout her career. Her interests included reading, knitting, golf, happy hours, and traveling. She was talented in doing crafts of all kinds and bestowed her treasured gifts on others. Some of her happiest times were cooking big holiday meals for her family. She loved spending time with family, friends, and their dog, Guinness. Melody loved Sanibel Florida, and as a professional sheller was famous for her Junonia shell. Melody will be dearly missed and remembered for her infectious laugh and warm personality.

She leaves her husband; John Hope, two children; Sam Hope of Milwaukee and Sarah (Justin Chaudoir) Hope of Madison, her brother; Steve (Brenda) Nabholz of Winthrop, IA, two sisters-in-law; Katie (George Heinz) Hope of Springfield, MO and Jennifer (John) Michalski of Dubuque, IA and a brother-in-law; Michael Hope of Iowa City, IA. She is also survived by many other loving family and friends to celebrate her life. Melody was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Lewis Nabholz, and her sister, Carma Kucera

A time to gather to celebrate Melody's life will take place at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 East Washington Ave., Madison on Thursday, August 6, 2015 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Melody, to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Agrace Hospice and their staff for providing loving care to Melody in her final days.

Cress Funeral Home
3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison
608-249-6666