In memory of: Mel Chua
Mel touched a great many lives in Fedora and hundreds of other communities worldwide. We remember her friendship, humor, dedication, and passion for open source with the deepest respect.
Mel, you are always in our hearts.
CaringBridge obituary
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Mel has left this world and flown away to the next. From the stories we've gotten to hear from this community and my experiences with Mel, I know that Mel approached cancer with the same gusto that they took on every project with; sadly was not something that could be held at bay forever through passion, learning, and stubborn determination. Mel firmly believed in Heaven and so, while deeply saddened that our time in physical proximity to Mel has come to an end, I'm comforted that their pain is over.
In probably the most Mel of questions, one of their friends relayed a question Mel had asked. 'How do I know where to go once I get to Heaven? Who do I need to talk to, etc.' Mel wanted to know the plan, the whole plan, all the way through.
Well, now Mel does! One thing Mel has contemplated and discussed the past couple years is what their legacy will be. All of you are part of that legacy. Mel has carefully curated this and all their communities with love and acceptance.
While Mel has left this world, we all can carry on their legacy through remembering remembering their infectious enthusiasm and smile, by treating each other with care, by apologizing when needed, and by always thinking about accessibility, both things we need and things those around us may need, even if they don’t yet know it themselves. And dancing. Dance with friends, dance to express, dance to tell stories. Draw. Write. Create. Share the beautiful life that Mel lived and the lessons you personally learned. Mourn. Take time to feel the emotions. Engage with the world when you’re ready again. Rest is a thing Mel was trying to learn, and in true fashion, also trying to teach. We can honor Mel by doing both.
Rest when you need rest. Help in whatever way you can whenever you can; you can Do Something more often than you think. And find all the little joyful moments as you go. While I can’t speak for Mel, I’m confident that they would want to express their deepest gratitude for your friendship and especially any sacrifices that each friend has made over the past few years, but especially the past few months. So many of us have kept watch over zoom, visited and helped with care tasks, sent little sparks of joy, and generally held space for the complexity of life and to help provide as safe a space for Mel to rest and expend energy on the things that matter. And Mel saw the good through each of our either successful or fumbling attempts at helping. Mel was so good at seeing the intention behind our actions and the capacity each of us has to love, to care, to learn to be more opening and welcoming to literally everyone. Mel may be gone, but this community lives on. Please give Bren and Mel's extended family space at this time.
LWN
We have received the sad news that Dr. Mel Chua has passed away. Mel was probably best known in the free-software community as a contributor to the Fedora Project in its early days. The Fedora Community Blog honored Mel recently after she had moved to hospice care with tributes from several Fedorans. Stephen Jacobs wrote:
I can't find the words to express how much of a positive impact Mel has had on my work, our shared work, my family, the experiences of my students, and the world of FOSS writ large. Nor can I find the words to convey just how much I will miss her.
Mel will be greatly missed.
Handwritten notes from Flock 2024
At Flock 2024, a memorial was made for Mel as she passed away the week before Flock began in 2024. A plaque, flowers, and a notebook were placed near the registration desk to honor her memory. The following lines are notes that people left in memorium to Mel:
- Remembering Mel who increased the FLOCK of FOSS geometrically.
- Mel was such a bright light, she inspired everyone around her and made us believe that anything was possible. She is missed but never forgotten.
- Thinking of you Mel. Miss you!
- Thank you for your contributions to FOSS.
- Thank you for everything! Mel was one of the nicest, kindest and most considerate people I met when I was starting out in Fedora. She always had time for everybody. We'll always miss her. — Adam Williamson
- I just met Mel once in person but that was enough for me to tell the size of her heart. She will be missed.