Melanie Jeanette Varelas

She graduated from the prestigious Marie Curie Lycee, where she was a decorated, competitive breaststroke swimmer. While in Vietnam, she was employed as the Administrative Manager of the State Department Aid to International Development. She moved to the United States in 1969, and she spent her entire career with Aetna Insurance Company, until her retirement in 1996.

Melanie was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, who devoted her life to her family. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Constantine Varelas, son, Peter Varelas (Dana) of Middleburg, daughter, Nicole Varelas Ninesling (Olin Cannon) of Jacksonville, three grandsons (Dino Varelas, Hayden Ninesling, and Blake Ninesling), who were the center of her world, two brothers, Troung Thi Houng of Saigon, and Tran Nam of Garland, TX, and an extended family, who loved her very much. She will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing and loving her.

A Trisagion will be held at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church; 3850 Atlantic Boulevard; Jacksonville, FL 32207 on Monday, December 29 at 6:30 p.m. followed immediately by the Makaria. Funeral services will also be held at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, December 30 at 11:00 a.m., followed immediately by a 1:00 p.m. burial service at the Jacksonville National Cemetery; 4083 Lannie Road; Jacksonville, FL 32218. For those who wish to participate and are unable to attend the church services, the Trisagion and Funeral services will be broadcast at http://stjohnthedivinejax.org/live-broadcast.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Melanie's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Tribute number 20577380; P.O. Box 1000; Department 142; Memphis, TN 38148 or Haven Hospice; 741 Blanding Boulevard; Orange Park, FL 32073. HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Boulevard is serving the family.