Melanie Danielle Fowler

Melanie Danielle Fowler, 55, of Manchester, NJ passed away on May 3, 2026. Born in Toms River, NJ to Sheila and Curtis Fowler on October 21, 1970. Melanie was a kind-hearted and compassionate woman with a deep love for animals. In 1995, she began a 25-year-long career at Toms River Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Technician.

In 2020, Melanie began a six-year-long health battle after being diagnosed with COPD. Melanie fought tooth and nail every day to get better, but as her health declined, she and her family began the steps to getting Melanie a lung transplant. Unfortunately, after complications following her final preliminary test for the transplant waitlist, Melanie tragically lost her life on May 3, 2026 at Temple University Hospital.

Despite all of Melanie’s health troubles, her love and faith in God never wavered. She was often a pillar of faith, uplifting and reminding her family that God would not fail her and that she would one day be healed. She was right. Melanie has been restored to full health and is awaiting her family in Heaven with her Lord Jesus Christ.

Melanie enjoyed drawing and watching the cooking channel, as well as Turner Classic Movies. She spent a lot of her time watching sermons and listening to worship music. Her favorite song was “Goodness of God” sung by CeCe Winans.

Melanie is predeceased by her mother Sheila Fowler and father Curtis Fowler, her grandmother Frances Conklin and Uncles Augustus “Gus” Heinrichs and Lewis “Bucky” Conklin.

She is survived by her children Jeffrey E. Kopec, 32, and daughter Holly Rose Fowler, 28, who loved her more than life itself. Her fiancé Edward Schultz, who remained faithfully by her side in sickness and in health. Her sister Dawn Reccoppa, brother-in-law Anthony Reccoppa, and her two nieces Jackie and Natalie and nephew Anthony. And her Aunt Beverly Heinrichs, who cared for Melanie from childhood until the day she passed.

In lieu of flowers, please support the family by donating to Melanie’s GoFundMe that will help her children cover her funeral expenses https://gofund.me/cf201fc8d

Viewing for family and friends will be held on Saturday May 9, 2026 from 3:00-6:00pm with a Prayer Service at 5:30pm at Mastapeter Memorial Home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville, NJ 08721. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melanie Danielle Fowler, please visit our floral store.