Melanie Schneidman, of Pikesville, MD, passed away on December 16, 2020 at the age of 96. She was born in Bucharest, Romania, the younger daughter of the late Simon and Anna Hirsch. Melanie’s parents made her childhood, and that of her sister, Bertha, a safe and happy one. Growing up, Melanie and Bertha would spend Sunday afternoons strolling through Cismigiu Park in Bucharest with their father, who proudly showed off his beautiful daughters. For one of Melanie’s birthdays he gifted her a bicycle which she cherished for many years. The halcyon days of her adolescence were spent biking, swimming, and ice skating. While her older sister was always stylishly dressed, Melanie was the tomboy who loved playing with the neighborhood boys and getting into occasional squabbles.
Melanie fell in love instantly when she set eyes on the tall, handsome Bernard on one of his visits to her father’s factory. They went on to enjoy a long, happy marriage that lasted nearly 73 years. They were inseparable, with Melanie preparing wonderful meals, hosting family dinners, and organizing holidays. Although naturally more reserved than her husband, she was the quiet one behind the scenes making dreams come true, such as inviting the entire family on a memorable Caribbean cruise to celebrate Bernard’s 80th birthday.
Melanie was a loving mother to her daughter Miriam and later a doting grandmother to Alexander, always there to listen, provide sensible advice, and share a family tale. With her remarkable memory, Melanie would describe life in the old country, how the family survived the war years in Bucharest, and how she would accompany her mom to her great uncle’s plays, stories that fascinated both Miriam and Alexander who will forever treasure these special moments.
A cherished friend to many, Melanie was always thinking of ways to make others feel special. Melanie had a circle of lifetime friends who became part of the extended family. Up until this year, she still received bouquets of flowers from coworkers, who remembered her fondly, even decades after her retirement. Melanie was a kind, generous and trusted friend who shall be missed by many.
She is survived by her cherished daughter, Miriam Schneidman; adoring grandson, Alexander Burnett; niece, Ariela Mano; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Julius and Frederica Schneidman, Bianca Schneidman, Caroline and Mike Calistrat; and nieces and nephews, Mark, Margie, Isabelle, Andy, and Danny. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bernard Schneidman; sister, Bertha Marienberg; parents, Anna and Simon Hirsch; and brother-in-law, Beno Schneidman.
A Virtual Funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 at 12:00 pm. Interment Arlington Chizuk Amuno Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Contributions in her memory may be sent to the charity of your choice.