Obituary of Melanie Alter

A long-time resident of Albuquerque, NM, Melanie Sheila Alter, age 85, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2023.

Melanie was born in Chicago in December, 1937. She attended the University of Wisconsin (Madison) where she obtained her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts. She also took courses at the Chicago Art Institute and turned her love of art and travel into a lifelong career. She created one of a kind jewelry designs and manufacturing (Melanie Collection) with ethnic pieces and beads that she collected from her travels around the globe. Her jewelry was featured in Sante Fe and many shops across the country. Melanie had a deep love of animals, especially dogs, and was obsessed with the color magenta.

She is survived by her son Craig Alter of Albuquerque, son Joel Alter and his wife, Tracy, of Albuquerque; daughter Meridee Joseph and her husband Jeff, of Henderson, NV, granddaughters Chelcie, Dara, Lexi, Jordan (Victor), and Hailey (Cole), and great-granddaughter, Olivia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Thelma Rose, her first husband, John May and her many beloved dogs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Animal Humane Society in Melanie’s name. Animalhumanenm.org

By the way, we have lots of beads if anyone is interested.