This is a complete shock to my system. I had no idea my best friend from third grade was suffering from cancer and has left us. My deep deep deep condolences to all the Handlers. Melinda has given me the best memories of my life growing up. She came knocking on my door to sell seeds door to door with her and we became fast friends. The many stealthy sneaks in the Gazebo kitchen eating strawberries and whipped cream, praying no baker spied us. Mrs. H sending us on many romps down Walnut St to get stamps, cards or groceries. We laughed till we cried. Most memorably, our fits of giggling attacked us at the dinner table or in church when we were expected to be the most behaved. But we never failed to let some giggles escape...

We gathered for a visit at the Sheraton for my brother's wedding back in 2007 and then our lives got busy. Melinda was the real deal. A true adventurer, a giver, a lover of life. Her love will forever be with me. Her memory, her smile, her sisterhood. She was my one true friend. I love you, Melinda Sue. Rest easy. Till we meet again.

Me and my family are deeply shocked to hear of her sudden passing, My condolences to the Handler family. We met one summer in Vermont at school, but it was just one class same. We started to talk and since that summer we never stop talking even we lived very far. We met in all over the world such as in Japan, Spain, New York, Pittsburg. Even we met after many years passed, our relationship stayed the same.

Our trip supposed to continue like that but now it seems that this trip just to be paused at the moment. Rest in peace Mi querida amiga para siempre (my dearest friend forever).

Our thoughts go out to Handler family.

Melinda and I were classmates at SHHS. I remember her well. Very fun, caring and nice. I just was searching the McCabe funeral home site for another friend's viewing information and saw Melinda's name. Very sorry for your family's loss. Deepest condolences and may she Rest In Peace. God Bless

I was Melinda’s hairdresser for the last 7 years and am gut punched to learn of Melinda’s passing. Where to begin, she was truly one of a kind and I consider it an honor to have called her my friend. Fun, genuine, selfless, kind… all of these and so much more!! She was a giver… and being with her was like good medicine. I so enjoyed my time with her and our talks. Every time she came to see me, she would bring a thoughtful gift, whether it was cookies she baked herself or a sweet book and stuffed animal for my daughter. My heart is aching over this loss. To her family and friends, I am so very sorry for this devastating loss. I will never forget Melinda and the way her radiant positivity touched my life forever. I will carry her memory with me always. Rest In Peace, dear, sweet friend.

My condolences to the Handler family. I will never forget your bright smile and positive energy. I will always cherish the layovers we had together, especially in the early days over 20 years ago. Rest In Peace my sweet friend.

I was blessed and honored to call Melinda my dear friend for over three decades. I revered our friendship. We travelled together - we enjoyed one another - she always brought joy to every moment as well as understanding and compassion . A truly Unique selfless individual. I love Melinda and The Handler Family. I am a better person for having them in my life. I will see you again my friend . Until then♥️

I was so sorry to learn of Melinda's passing. Her beautiful smile and the twinkle in her eye always made her fun to be around, and the life she lived was an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace.

I'm so very sorry to hear of Melinda's passing. Although I was not a close friend we did know one another for 30 years or so. When I think of Melinda I alway's find myself smiling. She was such a pleasure. On my trip's back to Pittsburgh sometime I would run into her and would end up catching up.I alway's loved hearing about her latest endeavor.

RIP

All my sympathies to the family

Ellen Borg

Melinda was my dearest friend at Sacred Heart and her influence on my life is lasting. Looking back, it was an honor to have spent time with her. She was funny and fun, kind and genuine and was a true friend. This world needs a lot more Melindas. My heart is saddened deeply for everyone who knew her. Lisa (Gottschalk)

My deepest sympathies go out to the Handler Family on the loss of their dear daughter/sister Melinda. May your love for her and each other help get you through this sad and tragic time.

Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all .

Melinda always had that positive energy and endless passion to help improve the lives of so many others.

She will be missed. Rest in peace.

Borrego Family

My deepest sympathies to your family. Melinda was such a good soul. I always loved when she would come into Schiller’s with her bright smile and laughter. She will me missed greatly

Patrice evancho

~ rest softly in paradise ~ Melinda ~ your friendship is a joy ~ your amazing life of 56 years was with defined good purpose and is an inspiration ~ you leave our hearts broken and you will be tremendously missed ~ and never forgotten