Melanie Mary Kondrat's Obituary
It is with incredible sorrow that we announce the death of Melanie Mary Kondrat, aged 31, due to injuries sustained in a climbing accident.
Mel was beloved by all who knew her. She had a wide circle of loyal friends, and a large family who mourn her unexpected loss. Mel was kind, adventurous, and loved her family and friends. She had a keen sense of style, and lived life to the fullest, whether she was going to a party, hiking up a mountain, or jet-setting with her friends.
From a very young age, Mel was quite a character – always dressing and speaking with flair. She knew how to make a dramatic statement even at 9 years old, when she famously announced she was “better than an expert” at snorkeling. She loved to make people smile, whether she was doing silly dances, or creating custom gifts.
Mel lived a life of public service, from her years serving in the Peace Corps in Morocco, to her internship in Washington D.C. with Senator Patty Murray, to her 7-year tenure at the Social Security Administration helping people deal with their own personal tragedies. She adored her alma mater Gonzaga University (class of 2011), and their Jesuit identity. At the time of her passing, she was close to completing her master’s in Public Administration at Seattle University, so that she could take her service to the next level.
Melanie is survived by her mother and father, Christine and Paul Kondrat, her two sisters Justine and Lauren, her brother-in-law David, her maternal grandmother Diane Cloquet, her niece and nephew, numerous friends including Monicka, Allie, Stephanie, Anna, and Ari, as well as her soon-to-be betrothed Chris Barton. She will be missed more than words can express.
Mel was passionate about many social issues. As a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, indigenous issues had a particularly special place in her heart. For this reason, contributions in memory of Melanie may be made to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, to benefit their work on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls (MMIWG) crisis: https://www.niwrc.org/donate
Livestream Service Link: https://viewneral.zoom.us/j/92060630315?pwd=RTZ0NnVoSlBjc0VrS2p1RDNmODFMdz09
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