K. "Ann" (Hayford) Melanson

K. "Ann" Melanson (Hayford), age 89, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2023, with her loving family at her side. 

Ann was born on March 9, 1934, in Laconia, NH; she was the cherished daughter of the late Lawrence D. and Katherine M. (Desmond) Hayford.  Ann grew up in Chocorua, New Hampshire, at their family Inn “Hayford’s In The Field”. Ann was taught the importance of family, responsibility, and work ethic at a very young age; when she was entering middle school she attended the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro, MA and went on to graduate from Notre Dame High School with the class of 1953.  Following graduation, Ann, continued her education; during her second year she lost her dad and returned home to help run the family Inn. 

Ann met “her sweetheart” Ed Melanson through his sister Jean and the couple married in 1962 and moved into their “forever home” that Ed built in Wilmington.  Ann and Ed were married for 57 years, raised a beautiful family, cherished their role as grandparents, and made many wonderful memories to share before Ed’s passing in 2019.  

Ann was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother; her family was “her world” and she looked forward to the many wonderful times they shared together.  Ann’s door was always open to family, friends, and neighbors; she especially welcomed her children’s friends throughout the years and treated many of them as her own.  Ann loved to attend countless school and sporting events, dance recitals, birthday parties for her grandchildren; she was so proud of her family and all they had accomplished throughout their lives.  Ann adored her role as “Grammy” and was thrilled to welcome several great grandchildren for her to cherish. 

Ann was a woman of unwavering faith and an active communicant at St. Thomas and St. Dorothy’s Churches in Wilmington for many years.  Ann always offered her time and talents to help at church whenever she was needed; she had a special relationship with the clergy as well as her fellow parishioners and considered many of them close friends. 

Ann will be fondly remembered as a wonderful lady; she was kind, thoughtful, and went out of her way to help anyone in need.  She was an incredibly talented seamstress who enjoyed making Flags and sharing them with her family and friends.  Ann’s love for her family and friends was evident in everything she did; she will forever live on in their hearts.

Ann was the beloved wife of the late Edward J. Melanson, devoted mother of Mark Melanson & wife Patricia of Reading, Paula Powers & life partner Harry Chambers and Peter Melanson & wife Maureen all of Tewksbury.  Loving "Grammy" of Ashlin Dasilva & husband Kory, Janelle Crosby & husband Jared, Brenna Costopoulos & husband Matt, Kaelyn Melanson, Jennifer Gardner & husband Alex, Justin LaCau & wife Macie, Makayla Melanson, Ethan Melanson, and Great-Grandchildren Brynn, Emmy, Isabelle, Elsie, Baylor, Taylor, and Charlotte.  Dear sister of the late Mary Guay. 

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Wednesday, October 18th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Dorothy's Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington, MA, at 10:00 a.m.  Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.  Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 17th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann's memory may be made to the Parish of the Transfiguration, Parish Rectory, 11 Harnden St., Wilmington, MA  01887.  

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com