Melissa Ann (Clancey) Hinze

HINZE, Melissa

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Melissa Hinze on May 11, 2022 following not a battle, but a full on six year war with metastatic breast cancer.

It is difficult to encapsulate the life of one so vibrant in one writing. Melissa is from this town and of this town. She was born in Peterborough Ontario on March 4, 1975. Her feisty character was honed by the blend of her Glaswegian mother, Helen Clancey (nee Murray) and her Irish da, Paul Clancey. Childhood adventures, some of them legend in nature, were shared with her much loved big brother Stephen Clancey (Ingrid Pond). 

Melissa is a graduate of St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School (94). She attended York University for Kinesiology, followed by a diploma in Registered Massage Therapy from Sir Sandford Fleming College. Her career led her to work at Ross Memorial Hospital Lindsay Rehab, Lakefield Physio, and finally to her home practice where she welcomed devoted clients, many of whom became dear friends. 

Her volunteer work in the community was extensive and her fundraising efforts were unparalleled for causes such as: Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School where she served as chair of the Parent Council for the past 6 years, Pete’s Minor Hockey, Kawartha Trent Synchro Club, Run for the Cure, Hospital for Sick Children.

She met the absolute love of her life while in high school, her champion, her protector and her knight in shining armour, Chris Hinze. They married on June 24, 2000. Simply put, he adored his Gerbie. By her own modest admission, they together produced two mini miracles, Jasmine and Blake. They remain her “why” and her forever. 

In addition, Melissa will be mourned by her sweet four-legged friend, Layla-Lou and a legion of friends and family including her cherished nephews Quinn and Caleb; her mother-in-law and father-in-law Gord and Pat Hinze; her brother-in-law Jody Hinze (Shannon) and his children Chase and Kenzie; her Scotland clan, Lynda, Elaine and Graeme; her Auntie Mel Sangster and Uncle Neil Clancey (Brandon and Nate); her dear Auntie Dawn and Uncle Norm; lifelong friends Heather and Brad Davidson, Auntie Sasa will be missed by their children Abby and Peyton. Her Storm Troopers, Kelly, Jen, Leanne, Tara, Nat and Kate will ensure that Melissa’s nickname, “The Storm”, rages on. 

The Hinze and Clancey family would like to extend a deep well of gratitude to the caring staff at the Cancer Care Clinic at PRHC, especially Dr. Jeyabalan, the phenomenal nursing staff and her incredible friend, Natalie. As well, a heartfelt thanks to the staff on 2D, Palliative Care, especially Dr. Becca Webster.

Melissa’s life may have seemed too short to many. However, those of us blessed to have been touched by her know that the imprint she left on our hearts will far exceed the time she spent with us. The goal of life is not to live forever, but to create something that will. Her love will remain. It will be shared in our stories with family and friends and will endure in her children and unto her children’s children.

Courage, dear heart.

Friends and family will be received at HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Road, Peterborough on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, May 25, 2022  at 11:00 am at ST. ANNE’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 859 Barnardo Ave in Peterborough. Reception to follow in the church hall. In memory of Melissa and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an education trust fund set up for Jazzy and Blake. Please make  cheque payable to Kate Murphy or Heather Davidson or via e-transfer to jazzyandblake@gmail.com

Online condolences may be made at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com