Melanie Karen Putnak – Pittsburgh

Melanie Karen Putnak, 72, of Pittsburgh, passed away on Aug. 21, 2019, following a lengthy illness, at the home of her son with the family around her. Born on Oct. 19, 1946, to the late Thomas E. Scurfield and Elsie “Pat” Scurfield in Charleroi, she was raised in Monongahela. She was member of Grace Lutheran Church in Monongahela. Melanie graduated from Greater Monongahela Area High School. She was an entrepreneur, a beautician and rehabilitation nurse. As a beautician, she prided herself in making unique hair colors for her longtime clients. After 20 years of being a beautician she went back to school receiving her associate degree in nursing from CCAC where she was Phi Theta Kappa, and then received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Waynesburg University. At Southside Hospital she mentored aspiring nurses in the AIU program “PEEPS” for 17 years. She then transferred to Mercy Hospital for eight years, retiring in 2015 after 25 years. Melanie had a smile that was contagious. Her personality was endearing and her love for her family was enduring. She enjoyed going on family vacations, playing the piano and spending time with her grandchildren. Her love for her family was visible and heartfelt, by all around her. Melanie leaves to cherish her memory a beloved son, Christopher Putnak and wife Jessica; daughter, Karen “Bitsy” Lovett; grandchildren, Cameron, Conner, Brooklyn and Kyle Putnak, Christine and Ashton Lovett; and great-grandchildren, Gracie, Bailey and Harley Lovett. She was preceded in death by a sister, Meredith “Dede” Crusan. Arrangements have been entrusted to the WILLIAM R. TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME, 645 McMahon Ave., Monessen, PA 15062, 724-684-4877, Trudy L. Taylor — funeral director in charge. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, family asks you donate to the Western PA Humane Society.