Melanie E. Shoup, 61, of Breinigsville, died on Feb. 24, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family.

She and her husband, Lawrence R. “Larry” Shoup, would have celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in May.

Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of the late Richard H. and Evelyn M. (Lichty) Souders.

A 1977 graduate of Parkland High School and a 1980 graduate of Allentown School of Nursing, she was an operating room nurse for the former Osteopathic Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown, for more than 30 years.

A member and delegate for AORN, she received the Nursing Excellence Award from St. Luke’s Hospital in 2004.

She was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Trexlertown, where she was a member of the chancel choir, a soprano soloist, and founder and inaugural director of the Bell Choir.

She played a memorable role in a rendition of “Godspell” at St. Paul’s, and was a member of Friends and Faith, Social Life and the Young Women Crafters of the church.

She enjoyed crocheting, cross stitching, reading, traveling, cruising with the Encrusiastics, baking, and many bus trips with friends to the Longenberger Headquarters.

She was also a member of the Golden Girl Ski Club and was a Disney aficionado.

Her husband and daughter will always treasure the special memories they shared at the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter Bethany N. Shoup of Arizona; siblings Melinda (Dennis) Love, Jennifer (Tom) Reinert, Cory (Carolyn) Souders, Gregory (Lori) Souders, Mark (Cheryl) Souders and Rebecca (Steve) Appleby; and numerous lifelong friends.

Friends and family may call 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 5, at Stephens Funeral Home Inc., 274 North Krocks Road, Allentown.

Due to the pandemic, services will be private, at the convenience of the family.

Interment will be in St. Paul’s UCC Cemetery, Trexlertown.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the church memorial fund, 1249 Trexlertown Road, Trexlertown, PA 18087.