It is with great sadness the we announce the passing of our mother, Melanie Louise Lautaoja, after a brave battle with cancer. Born August 29 1960 - Departed May 1st 2026.
Melanie began working at Swastika Tree Nursery, then onto North GTO development at a young age, later married, had 3 sons, later divorced. Moved to Marathon, Ontario where she raised her sons, working at Williams Mine (Hemlo) as a mill operator for 9 years. Eventually moving back to her home territory and got hired at Alamos Gold in Matachewan working there as a mill operator for 6 years then moving to the underground on the rock breaker and driving 30 ton haul trucks for 8 years until retirement in 2025 due to health reasons.
Melanie is predeceased by the mother, Laura Burant (Koski) and her father, Martti Lautaoja, her 4 brothers RIchard, Donald, Brian and Robert. Survived by her 3 prides and joys, Brandon (Melissa), Tavis (Amanda) and Nathan (Alicia) and 2 precious grandsons, Oliver and Elliott, 2 small dogs and cat.
Melanie's past times included knitting and crocheting, camping, outdoors and enjoying sunrises and sunsets.
Cremation has taken place - burial to be announced at a later date.
Sympathy Messages
I worked with Melanie at Alamos. She was a very caring, and fun to be around. Will miss seeing. Deepest condolences
May my support warm your heart
- bonny reid, on
May 17, 2026
My heartfelt sympathies to Melanie's deeply treasured family. I believe Melanie is now with "her family of butterflies", dancing and singing in the sunshine, wild and free, playing tag with the wind. I will miss you Melanie.
May my support warm your heart
- Ellen Watson, on
May 18, 2026
My deepest condolences to the family , she cherished her children and loved her Grandchildren and her precious pets,May she rip and is now reunited with her brothers and parents. We all grew up as families together and will be missed, but never forgotten, hugs Bev Niemi and Wes Ripley
May my support warm your heart
- Melanie’s Family and friends, on
May 18, 2026
She will be missed by many. She loved to sing karaoke and I enjoyed listening to her.
- Yvette Groulx , on
May 18, 2026
Brandon, Travis and Nathan. Melanie was my first cousin. Our fathers Ollie and Martti were brothers. We grew together and as kids, the Sunday Dinners were remarkable with 10 kids running around and forming bonds that would last forever. Big families for sure, and we sure had fun growing up on Highway #11. I had the pleasure of hearing her sing at the Encore Club and she had a very amazing voice, so easy to listen to. She supported my brother Martin for many years before he moved away and that was always appreciated. She would bring him meals and take him for errands. You three boys meant the world to her and her Grandsons brought her so much joy. She was always talking about all of you. Very proud mom and Mummu. She is reunited with her brothers and parents now. I know how much she missed them.Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother.
- Linda Walton, on
May 18, 2026
Saddened to hear of Melanie‘s passing. Came across her one time out in the bush as she was camping with her puppies. She was a very caring person who loved her family. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace Melanie.
- Rick Barker, on
May 19, 2026
My deepest condolences to Melanie’s three sons and their families. I met Mel at Alamos, she was one of the strongest women that I’ve met. Was happy to surprise her in Sudbury and be there when she rang the bell. Rest in peace Mel.
- Allison Stewart, on
May 19, 2026
My deepest condolences to Melanie's family and friends. A lifelong friend who will be truly missed
- Darrell Kant, on
May 19, 2026
My deepest condolences to Melanie's three sons and their families. May you find comfort knowing that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. And may you find peace in knowing that there is one more angel in heaven.
- Cheryl, on
May 19, 2026
To Brandon, Travis & Nathan and all the family. Our sincere condolences for your loss. Melanie was a wonderful caring person and lots of fun too. She will be greatly missed.
- Mike & Virginia Prentice , on
May 19, 2026
So sad. Our deepest condolences to all Melanie's family. A true Finlander with the sisu spirit. May she rest in peace. Hugs
- Pat and Bruce , on
May 20, 2026
My sincere condolences to her boys and Grandsons. I met Mel when I was a Security Guard and Mel was working in the Mill at Williams Mine. I always admired her strength and independence. Rest In Peace Mel and sing with the angels 😇🕊
- Darlene Leduc, on
May 21, 2026
My sincere condolences to her boys and Grandsons. I met Mel when I was a Security Guard and Mel was working in the Mill at Williams Mine. I always admired her strength and independence. Rest In Peace Mel and sing with the angels 😇🕊
- Darlene Leduc, on
May 21, 2026
Brandon, Travis, Nathan and families. May you find comfort in all your memories. Your Mom/Mummu loved with all her heart. She will be missed dearly by all who loved her. Hugs to you all XO
- Susan and Mike Swanson , on
May 21, 2026
my condolences 🙏 to family and friends
- faron brown , on
May 22, 2026
We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and freinds at this sad time. Mel was loved by all who knew her, and was a good friend growing up with her.
We will surely miss her and always remember her strong spirit and dedication to raise the boys and grandchildren. Rest in peace Mel. Love you
- Kathy and Blaine, on
May 23, 2026
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Melanie. So sad to hear of her passing. Growing up with the family during the time they lived just down the street from us in Swastika were some good times. RIP Melanie.
- Val Lang Gustar, on
May 24, 2026
Sending heartfelt condolences to Melanie's family. She was the proudest Mummu of her little grandsons. She loved her family beyond words.
- Louine McCallum, on
May 24, 2026
Melanie was a childhood friend of mine. We went separate ways in high school but reconnected on Facebook a few years later. I was always so impressed with her independence and career as a miner! She loved her family so much especially her little grandchildren. Her pets as well. Condolences to her boys and family. R. I. P. Mel. No more pain .
- Cindy Lachapelle , on
May 25, 2026
So sorry to hear of Melanie’s Passing. Our deepest condolences to your entire Famil. Will be sadly missed!
May my support warm your heart
- Mike and Nancy Aldred, on
May 27, 2026
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