Melanie Vail Hester's Obituary
Melanie (Vail) Hester died peacefully in Dallas on June 16, 2020, at the age of 56. She is survived by her husband, Steve Hester, her daughter, Abby, and many loving friends and family. She will be dearly missed by her sister Mary Ann Burns, her sister Julie Burcham and brother-in-law Mike Burcham, her brother Richard Vail and wife Jan Vail, her in-laws Cindy Daniel, Ed Daniel, Beth Hester, and Roy Hester, and her nieces and nephews: Maggie, Patrick, Allison, Sarah, Elizabeth, Katie, Zach, and Reed. She is preceded in death by her parents, Martha (Bassett) Vail and Walter L. Vail, and her brothers, William B. Vail and Walter P. Vail.
Melanie was born on November 23, 1963, the fifth of six children in the family. Her mother was in labor in Dallas when President Kennedy was shot, and she always said that Melanie brought light into the world during a very dark time. Indeed, Melanie’s light-hearted spirit, positivity, and beautiful smile were infectious. She grew up in Richardson, Texas, in a close-knit neighborhood with many young families. She attended St. Paul the Apostle School, West Junior High, and Richardson High School, then went on to college at Texas A&M and The University of Texas at Dallas, where she received her B.B.A.
Melanie married her husband, Steve, in an elegant, family-filled ceremony in Plano in 2003, and their beloved daughter Abby was born in 2005. Melanie instilled her love of reading and art in her daughter, and she loved watching Abby play volleyball, violin, and guitar.
After a career in corporate relocation, Melanie worked as a professional photographer for newborn babies at Plano area hospitals. She delighted in this work, and she loved sharing and capturing the joy of new parents.
Melanie cultivated many lifelong friendships. She loved to travel, especially to California wine country and to the beach, and she was a talented artist and calligrapher. She often displayed inspirational quotes and messages around the house for herself and her family.
Melanie began treatment for cancer in the fall of 2017. Through nearly a dozen surgeries and many rounds of aggressive treatments, she never lost her positive attitude. She fought with tremendous strength and grace, always with her family and friends by her side. She will be dearly missed by all.
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