Melinda Anne Shapiro of Dallas, Texas died peacefully in her sleep September 27. She had been surrounded by family, friends, and wonderful caregivers. She was born July 13, 1979, to Debby (Cohen) and Fred Shapiro. She attended Preston Hollow Elementary School and then Hillcrest High School where she was a proud member of the National Honor Society and served as the Panther Mascot cheering on the football team. She went on to attend Richland College.
Melinda was diagnosed with a malignant medulloblastoma at age 6 and survived with many health challenges but cancer free to age 44 due to the expert care of the Oncology team and surgeons at Children’s Medical Center and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
She is predeceased by her mother Debby Shapiro and grandparents Marcia and Ted Shapiro and Leona and Jerry Cohen. She is survived by her loving father, Fred and her devoted “new mom” Dr. Karen Bradshaw, Uncle Don Shapiro and her many cousins, including Alex Shapiro, his sons Isaac, Otis, and Lincoln, Kate Shapiro, Andrew Michaelson and his son Knox, Uncle David and Aunt Jennifer Bradshaw, their sons Riley, Jacob, and Steven and her longtime companion and caregiver Anna Handy.
She was a longtime member of Temple Emanu-El, and an avid volunteer at the Temple Social Club and with the kindergarten group. She also volunteered at Children’s Medical Center as a receptionist and greeter for many years. Melinda enjoyed the therapeutic horseback riding at Equest and swimming at the Jewish Community Center. She was a frequent model at the annual Children‘s Cancer Fund Fashion Show.
She was a joyful and loving young woman who greatly enjoyed 60’s rock and roll, horses, swimming, advocating for childhood cancer survivors, and spending time with friends and family.
We sincerely thank her wonderful caregivers including her longtime friend and caregiver, Anna Handy, the staff at Chai House, the staff at Manchester Care Home, and Helping Hands Hospice.
Services will be held at Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Road, in the Stern Chapel at 2:00 pm on October 2, with burial at Sparkman/Hillcrest, and a reception to follow in the Tycher Gathering Hall at Temple Emanu-El. There will also be a gathering on Tuesday, October 3 at 5:00 pm at the home of Fred Shapiro and Karen Bradshaw.
If desired, donations can be made in memory of Melinda Shapiro to Children’s Cancer Fund or Temple Emanu-El, or a charity of your choice.
