Melanie (Chopelas) Strickland, 72, Home Health Aide & VanPool Driver

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MARLBOROUGH – Melanie (Chopelas) Strickland, 72,  passed away peacefully Monday January 31, 2022 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her children. 

She was born in Lynn, on September 15, 1949 she was the 15th child born of 17 children in total.

She was raised in Malden, later moving to Marlborough to be closer to her children and grandson.

Melanie was a Home Health Aide caring for the elderly and a driver for VanPool for several years.

She loved her children, devoting her life to her family. She always had a smile and quick wit. She enjoyed playing bingo every Wednesday with her son Bobby along with arts and crafts. She was a compassionate woman who was always there to lend a helping hand. She had unconditional love for her children. She shared an incredible bond with her son Bobby and an adviser and best friend to daughter Dyan Chopelas.

Melanie is preceded by son Nicholas Chopelas (9/17/1969-2/14/2009); daughter Dyan Chopelas  of Framingham. Son Bobby Strickland and lifetime companion Alyson Marsocci of Southborough. Her grandson Anthony Paris of Marlborough that she was very devoted to. Her late father Stavros Chopelas and late mother Esther (VanOrden) Chopelas. Her late brothers  Bubba , George, Arthur, Christopher and Steven and sisters Rena, Christine, Virginia, Cynthia, Stephanie and Maryellen. Surviving sisters Vivian Chopelas and Diane Dillon and brothers Thomas, Timothy and Gregory. Also many nieces and nephews that she had great love for.

Calling hours will be held Sunday February 6 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Collins Funeral Home (www.collinsfuneral.com),378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Lung Association www.lung.org.

All are invited to sign Melanie’s online guestbook at www.collinsfuneral.com.