Melanie Lucia-y Martin Tolentino Lee, 66, of Bradenton, FL (formerly of Severna Park, MD) passed away, suddenly, on March 23, 2025. Born November 29, 1958, to Ernesto Atega Tolentino and Marilyn-Jeanne (Martin) Tolentino in Buffalo, NY, she was the only daughter of four children.
Following her graduation from Archbishop Spalding High School, Melanie became a Registered Nurse. For over 30 years, she worked at the Maryland House of Correction (Jessup) before retiring to Florida.
Central to Melanie's life was her family, and she worked hard to afford her children every opportunity. Reserved by nature, she was happiest surrounded by her husband and children; they made many lasting memories through trips around the world, laughter around the dinner table, and daily phone calls. Melanie's focus was always on others, and she tried to better the circumstances of those around her in the small, understated gestures that brighten a day, unburden a sadness, or comfort a pain; it is through the aggregate of these quiet acts of kindness that her life will be remembered.
Melanie is survived by her husband of 40 years, Terry; children, Sean (Becca) Lee; Brittany Lee, Michael (Ning) Lee; grandchildren, Tatum and Sean; father, Ernesto (Norah) Tolentino; mother, Marilyn Foster; siblings, Michael Tolentino, Robert (Ann) Tolentino, Rick Gates, and Andrea Seaman; sisters-in-law, Leda Tolentino and Julie (John) Williams; brothers-in-law John (Alice) Lee Jr., Robert (Sharon) Lee, James (MaryBeth) Lee, and Michael Lee; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her step-father Steve Foster; brother, Steve Tolentino; sister-in-law Cathy Lee, and brother-in-law, John Haskell.
Memorial visitation will be held 10AM-12PM Saturday, March 29 at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street, Bradenton, FL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
