Melanie Patricia Deem Rokes

SPENCER – Melanie Patricia Deem Rokes, 44, of Deer Run Road, died on Monday, March 11, 2024, in her home.  She is survived by her newlywed husband and soulmate, Randy A. Rokes of Spencer; two incredible sons, Bradyn LaFountain and Evan LaFountain, both of Spencer; two wonderful stepsons, Brady Rokes of Ashland, and Henry Rokes of Spencer; her parents, Larry and Susan (Miller) Deem Jr. of Charlton; her maternal grandmother, Ruth (Bliudzius) Miller of Millbury; her loving brother, Joshua Deem of Millbury; her beloved niece, Kylie Deem of Millbury; nephews; several aunts and uncles; many cousins; and her faithful dog, Bruno.  She was born in State College, PA, and raised in Charlton before moving to Spencer in 2007.  She graduated from Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley in 1997 where she performed in show choir. She then attended UMass Amherst and Keene State before receiving a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University.  Later, she received a second bachelor’s degree from Nichols College in Dudley, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Melanie was a talent acquisition consultant at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where she worked for many years.  She had deep conviction in her Catholic faith and enjoyed being a member of the choir at St. Joseph’s Church in Charlton and loved to karaoke with her friends. Mel was also a member of the Booster Club at David Prouty High School in Spencer. Melanie was an asset to her roller derby team (her handle was Nitrous), enjoyed playing softball and was an avid reader. 

Melanie unselfishly gave her time to countless causes and was happiest when helping others. She volunteered for the Falmouth Road Race at water station #4 for over forty years.  Mel raised money for the UMass Cancer Walk for twenty years, and volunteered for many other community organizations.  As a mother and wife, Melanie poured her heart and soul into her family and was a wonderful sports mom. She was always the life of the party, concocting every new cocktail that came along.  Melanie was loved for her infectious smile and her generous, welcoming, and giving personality.  She supported the community and was always willing to lend a hand, donate money, or cook a meal.  Mel will be remembered for having a heart of gold.  As one friend put it, “Mel never met a stranger.”  She knew how to live life to the fullest, and made a positive impact on everyone she met.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Church, 10 H. Putnam Road Ext., Charlton.  Burial will be private at a later date.  Calling hours are Friday, March 22, 2024, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Joseph’s Church in Charlton.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bradyn and Evan Future Fund. Checks can be mailed to Webster First Federal Credit Union, 29 Trolley Crossing Road, Charlton, MA 01507 or Venmo: @Susan-Deem-11

Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.