Melody Nicholson, 2114 Carolyn St., Hermitage, passed away Saturday evening, Jan. 7, 2012, at her home after an extended illness with leukemia. She was 43.

Melody was born September 9, 1968 in Fullerton, Calf. a daughter of John Robert and Joan Marion Margrey Lirette.

She was a 1986 graduate of Anaheim (Calf.) High School and moved to the area in 2002.

Prior to moving here, Melody was employed as a certified nursing assistant for eleven years in California.

She was a homemaker and a member of First Assembly of God Church, Hermitage. Melody was an excellent cook and enjoyed sewing, crafts and gardening.

Surviving are: her husband at home, Mark L. Nicholson, whom she married in California on Dec. 7, 1996; her mother, Joan M. Lirette, McNally, Calf.; a sister, Renee Beach and her husband Steve, Yorbalinda, Calf.; her mother-in-law, Edy Nicholson, Hermitage; a brother-in-law, Michael G. Nicholson and his wife Gail, San Diego, Calf.; a sister-in-law, Melinda Smith and her husband Keith, New Castle, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

Melody was preceded in death by her father, John R. Lirette; and an infant son, Kenneth Edward Nicholson, II.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to UPMC Outpatient Medical Oncology, patient care fund, 2200 Memorial Dr., Farrell, PA 16121.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, in First Assembly of God Church, N. Keel Ridge Rd., Hermitage, with the Rev. Kenneth Martin, pastor, officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.