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Dr. Melanie Hilde (Fisher) Grein
April 15, 1966 - September 27, 2020

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Durham veterinarian, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at the age of 54 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

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Melanie attended Normanby Central School in Ayton, JDSS in Hanover, and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, in 1991. She worked as a mixed animal practitioner for 16 years, and a small animal practitioner for over 29 years. Her career started at the Port Elgin Veterinary Clinic in 1991. She ran her own veterinary hospital in Durham for over 23 years with Eileen Elvidge, making them a dynamic duo.

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She will be so dearly missed by husband Keith of 29 years, children Julia Grein of Toronto and Paul Grein of Durham, friend Eileen Elvidge of Durham, and her feline, Peppi. Cherished daughter of Ima Fisher of Hanover, and sister of Bonetta Van Der Eyken of Neustadt, Mark (Elaine) Fisher of RR 2 Ayton, and James Fisher (Olivia Chan) of Newmarket. Daughter-in-law to Edna Grein and sister-in-law to Larry Grein of RR 3 Ayton, Don (Sheila) Grein of Harriston, Darlene Grein of Kanata, Nancy (Jim) Allen of Neustadt, Robert (Karen) Grein of Wingham, Ken (Carol) Grein of Brantford, and Wayne (Lisa) Grein of Sweden. Predeceased by her father Aaron Fisher, brother-in-law David Van Der Eyken, father-in-law Earl Grein, and infant sister-in-law Audrey.

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Melanie's passions in life were her family, veterinary practice, and her gardens. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ayton, a Sunday School teacher for many years, and a member of the choir. She was active in her children's schools, including being a member of St. Peter and St. Paul’s parent council for several years; providing veterinary information to students was just one of the many things she enjoyed doing. She was an active member of the Durham Agriculture Society. She was proud to be a part of the Durham Horticultural Society Garden Tours. She was a member of the Grey Bruce Veterinary Association for 29 years and was an active member of the One Health Initiative. Her most recent achievement was being awarded a Best Practice Management Award in 2019 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, placing her in the top 15% of best managed practices in Ontario. Her clients, Eileen, and assisting veterinarians were outstanding supports throughout her cancer journey to herself and her family. 

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home Chatsworth Ontario. A visitation, open to the public will be held at the funeral home chapel on Thursday, October 1, from 2:00 - 5:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. A private family funeral service will be held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ayton, on Friday October 2, at 11:00 am, Reverend Heather Spencer-Stoltz officiating. Interment at Lauderbach Cemetery, West Grey. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to OVC Pet Trust or Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ayton. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com

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