Obituary of Melanie Kloba

Melanie Kloba absolutely loved her life. That’s what she’d want you to know, even though hers ended way too soon. She died the morning of Feb. 3, at her home in Charleston, South Carolina, after a long tango with an illness that doesn’t need to be named, lest it be given credit for winning. Melanie was 44.

An Export, PA native, Melanie was born June 23, 1977 and attended Franklin Regional schools. She was a prominent member of the swim team, but really she was a member of everyone’s team, because everyone wanted to be around her. Melanie graduated from Point Park University with a degree in Communications. Mel loved to travel the world, and was up for any adventure, above or below sea level. Above, there wasn’t a music or arts festival that didn’t feed her spirit, and below, she explored the oceans as a certified scuba diver. 

Professionally, Mel had a successful career in pharmaceutical sales, which is what brought her to Charleston. Well that, and she was over Pittsburgh winters (though she never, ever stopped rooting for the Steelers). She settled into her new life below the Mason-Dixon seamlessly; she loved being near the beach, hanging with her dog Hercules, and all the friends she made there. No one made friends quite like Melanie; you couldn’t resist standing in the light she shone. 

Melanie is survived by her beloved dog Hercules, her parents Richard and Beverly Kloba of Export, PA, her sister Marlo (Scott) Weiskircher of Monroeville, PA and her beloved nephew and niece, Dane and Grace Weiskircher. Being an Auntie was when Melanie’s light burned brightest; there wasn’t a sporting event, concert or dance performance she wasn’t part of. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Angelo and MaryJo Catalano of Manor, PA, and Joseph and Eleanor Kloba of Export, PA. 

In addition to Melanie’s aunts, uncles and cousins, she is survived by scores of those who were so lucky to receive everything Melanie had to give: friendship, fierce loyalty, laughter, and an unconditional understanding that we all walk our own paths. 

A celebration of life ceremony in both James Island, SC and in Murrysville, PA, will take place over the spring and summer, details will be posted via Facebook.  The family wishes to thank Roper St. Francis Medical Center, and the countless doctors, nurses, aides and caregivers that were part of Melanie’s journey. If you’d like to honor Melanie’s memory, the causes she cared about were:  Roper St. Francis Cancer Center 2085 Henry Tecklenburg Dr, Charleston, SC 29414, Pet Helpers 1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, Charleston Scuba 335 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407.  She’d also be just as thrilled if you took a moment to tell those close to you that you love them, as she did until the very end.