Melanie Lea (Hendsbee) Fieffe

NORWALK, Conn. – Melanie Lea (Hendsbee) Fieffe, 46 of Norwalk, Conn., passed away at home on Jan. 12, 2022.Surrounded by loving family, after a long valiant battle with cancer. Melanie was born on Feb. 26, 1975, in Augusta, to Gayle (Brown) Hendsbee and Edward (Ted) Hendsbee. Melanie was a 1993 graduate of Messalonskee High School in Oakland. She then went on to receive her BS in biology from Roger Williams University, where she also played basketball. This is where she met her future husband, Dale Fieffe.After earning her undergraduate degree, Melanie spent some time in Florida, working at Seaworld – which was fullfillment of a childhood dream. Having a strong desire to advance her passion for science education, she enrolled at New York University where she earned her Masters in Science Education.After working in the pharmaceutical industry, and taking time off to raise her family, Melanie returned to her passion of education. She worked in several rewarding roles for the Norwalk Public School system. Prior to her illness, Melanie was teaching Middle School science at St Luke’s school in Canaan, Conn., where her passion for science was shared and embraced by her students. Melanie loved all her students deeply.Melanie gave of herself freely in helping to organize both school and community events, all geared to help children grow, learn and become caring, responsible, loving adults. She coached in the NBA (Norwalk Basketball Association), where she worked to help youngsters to learn the game, but more importantly, how to be a good sportsman, the importance of teamwork, and how to care for one another. Melanie wanted every child to be involved and have fun.Melanie is survived by her loving, devoted husband Dale Fieffe, her children Andrew (16), Cameron (14) and Matthew (12), her loving parents Gayle and Ted Hendsbee of Belgrade, sister Amy Vielleux and husband Paul and children Gabrielle, Ariana, Maria and Reece. Melanie is also survived by her dear inlaws Marie and Joseph Fieffe, sister-in-law Kathleen Fieffe, all of Stamford, Conn., as well as her grandparents, Paul and Louise Brown of Gardiner, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins who miss her dearly.There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony at the Center for All Seasons, 1 Center Dr, Belgrade, ME on Aug. 27, 2022 (time TBA).