Melanie Diane Falcone, age 70 of Richmond passed away on Sunday (August 2, 2026) at St. Vincent Ascension in Winchester. She was born on July 17, 1956, to William "Bill" Cruea and Madonna Hartley Cruea. Melanie graduated from Richmond High School in 1974. In 1975, she married the love of her life, Michael "Mike" Falcone. Melanie worked as the general manager at Days Inn before helping open the Hampton Inn (now Best Western) where she worked for several years before retiring to take care of her husband, Mike.

Melanie enjoyed genealogy, playing computer games, and watching her favorite television shows, but mostly her life was consumed by her wonderful grandchildren where she attended all sporting events, whether it was swimming, cross country, track, volleyball, cheerleading and hip hop competitions, baseball, basketball and football games. She was always the first one there to cheer them on.

Melanie is survived by her daughter, Kristen (Dru) McClain and grandchildren, Noah, Rylee and Zoe McClain; "adopted" daughter, Brandy (Russ) Uhte and their children; Lauren, Aubrey and Lukin Uhte. She was often affectionally known by the grandkids and their friends as either Grammy, Mamaw Mel or G-Money. She is also survived by cousins and friends.

Melanie is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Falcone; both parents, William and Madonna Cruea; brother, Michael (Mikey) Cruea and aunt and uncle, John and Louise Thorpe.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.