Houlton, Maine - With sadness, the family of Melanie J. Wilson announces her peaceful passing at Madigan Estates Nursing Facility in Houlton. After a long battle with dementia, she passed away on November 27, 2025, with her family by her side. She was born on July 16, 1949, in Houlton, the daughter of Barbara (Merritt) and Gordon Bates.

Melanie grew up on the farm, a proud "Linneus girl," who loved animals and was always pleased to tell of milking the cows and feeding the chickens when she could. In her high school years, her family moved to Hodgdon, where she graduated from Hodgdon High School in 1967. Her first job was sewing shoes at the Houlton Shoe Factory, which she did with gusto and enthusiasm, until she met the love of her life, Jerry, and they married in 1968. After Jerry's graduation from Ricker College, they moved to Millinocket for two years, which she was happy to do, and they made new friends there, who she enjoyed.

After a couple of years, they moved to Princeton, Maine, where they made their first real home together, and had a wonderful eleven years with many friends in that great community. They built a new home, with help from both of their fathers, and had a wonderful life during that time. They camped at East Grand Lake, fished, snowmobiled and had fun. It was during this time that their daughters, Heather and Amanda, were born, and life got even better. In these years, Melanie came to Houlton for the potato harvest, stayed with her parents and worked on the potato harvester for Jim Peabody, which she greatly enjoyed.

In 1982, Melanie and Jerry were fortunate to move back to their hometown of Houlton. Melanie quickly went to work at CLA in childcare, and in time moved into the SAD 29 family as a special education teacher's aide. This was a great move for Melanie, and she went wherever she was needed throughout her 25 year career, to Houlton Elementary School, Southside School, Houlton High School and Wellington School. She always got to work early and prepared her tasks in advance. She made many friends in the school system, both staff and students, who always came to her for a hug when meeting on the street. Melanie was an active member of the Houlton United Methodist Church, with many close friends in the church family. She taught Sunday school, worked the church suppers, and worshipped regularly until poor health prevented her attendance. She shared her special talent of making elaborate cakes for church and family events and special occasions, earning her the nickname of "cake lady."

Melanie is survived by her husband, Jerry; her daughters, Heather Fagnant (Joe) and Amanda Howe (Peter); granddaughters, Elizabeth, Sarah, Alison, and Hannah; sisters, Susan Haskell (John), Cathy Nesbitt (James), Darla Small (Russell); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, who she all loved. She was predeceased by her parents, Barbara and Gordon Bates; her brother-in-law, John Haskell; and her stepmother, Evangeline Bates.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Melanie's doctors, Hassan Abouleish and Christine Thomas at Houlton Regional Hospital, as well as to the wonderful caregivers at Madigan Estates during the past two years. Her care was exceptional and she appreciated the nurses and staff who made her life a little better during very difficult times.

As per Melanie's wishes, there will not be a service at this time. A date will be announced for a graveside service in the spring for all at Evergreen Cemetery in Houlton. Donations may be made in Melanie's memory to either the Houlton United Methodist Church, or to the Backpacks for Kids program at 57 Military St., Houlton, ME 04730. Condolences to the family may be expressed at DunnFuneral.com.