Obituaries
Imelda A. Minnich, 90
Imelda A. Minnich, 90, of Wilmington, DE passed away on Monday, September 3, 2012 at Willow Valley Retirement Community, Lancaster, PA, where she lived from 1994. Born in Gary, West Virginia, Mel (as she was known to her friends) was the daughter to the late Andrew and Glenna May (Harman) Smith. Mel was the beloved wife of 64 years to John Walter Minnich, who passed away in 2006.
Raised in a hotel, Mel enjoyed a childhood surrounded by family, animals, and travelers. She later graduated from Radford University in Virginia. She was a school teacher and real estate agent for many years, and was co-founder of the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association. Mel was also an avid and accomplished photographer. A lifelong learner and teacher, she embraced new things even teaching computer lessons for many years at Willow Valley. Mel also loved snorkeling in the BVI, caring for her horses and lost baby animals, and playing Bridge. One grandchild said, "She was a strong willed lady from West Virginia coal country. Always quick with her wit and a sly smile, she was full of love for her family, and most of all, her husband of 64 years; together, they built a strong foundation for us all. We will miss her always."
Known to her family as Mom, Gram, Meem, and Memaw, Mel is survived by three children: John W. Minnich of San Francisco, CA; R. Andrew Minnich, husband of Diane of Atlanta, GA and Ann "Dixie" Charlton Abbott, wife of Richard of Cochranville, PA; six grandchildren: Amanda, Robert, Jamison, Carly, Lindsay and Jay; and five great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 21st at 1:00 PM at Willow Valley Manor North Auditorium, Lancaster, PA with light refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding Inc., 190 Line Road, Malvern, PA 19355. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661
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Will miss you.
Dianne
It has been many years, but I remember all the pleasant times we had at your house playing or what ever. Your Mom was always there to encourage and enforce a fun day of play. Sorry for your loss.
Jim Brady
It is hard for me to find the words to say at a time like this. Mel was a wonderful woman who enjoyed life with friends and family. I knew Mel first through horses then later on with our common interests in gardening and photography. Although I hadn’t seen her since I moved to the UK I have wonderful memories of our times together and what I learned from her. I know her family will miss her and I will miss her, knowing she is no longer around.
All my love to the family,
Mary Paul
This was a woman who lived a wonderful life. She enjoyed her family. She also had many interests. She gave a lot of her time and talents to everything she encountered.
God bless. may she rest in peace.
Sincerely.
Jim and Lorraine Logue
