Melvina Mary Kandupa Obituary (1928 - 2021)

Winslow-Melvina Mary Pomelow Kandupa of Winslow passed away on at home in Winslow on Monday, May 17, 2021. Melvina was born in Madison on May 1, 1928 to Tuffille and Rosie (Belanger) Pomelow. Melvina grew up and attended schools in Madison. As a child she was resourceful and strong spirited. She went to work at a young age to help her parents. She married Michael J. Kandupa, Jr. of Madison after he returned from the European Theatre of WWII. Through the years Melvina worked at the Madison Woolen Mill, the Norwock Shoe Shop in Norridgewock, Solon Manufacturing in Skowhegan, and the Elm House Restaurant in Madison. Melvina was a teacher at heart and taught her children at home when they were very young before the term "home-schooling" existed. She was a devout Catholic who taught the faith to her children. She brought her mother Rosie to hundreds of weekday masses at St. Sebastian Church in Madison. She was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Winslow. Melvina was the go to person in the family for organizing showers, weddings, anniversaries, and Sunday dinners. She had the gift of hospitality and lively conversation. She was a wonderful cook and provided chocolate mayonnaise cakes, whoopie pies, fudge, and other treats for family. She loved to have a good time and dance the night away. Melvina married Michael Kandupa of Madison on May 26, 1951. They shared 23 years together. Mel and her husband enjoyed attending auctions and from that they created an antique business called "Mel's Place" in Madison which they had for several years. Mel became a widow in 1974 after her husband's sudden death at the age of 52. She was also predeceased by her twin sister, Melina, her sister, Lorena, and her brothers Arthur, Lawrence, and Raymond. She is survived by her four children Susan Richards (Joe) and Mary LeClair (Wayne) of Winslow; Joyce Malicky (Joe) of Pleasant Mt, PA; and Anne Briggs (Bruce) of Freeport; her grandchildren Joe, Elizabeth, Scott, Shane, Wade, Michael, Adam, and Lauren; her great grandchildren Emilee, Joey, Lilliana, Logan, Adelinde Rose, LuCeleste, Christopher, Emerson, Piper, and Braeden. At Melvina's request there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday, May 25 at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow; burial will follow in St. Sebastian Cemetery, Father Rasle Rd., Madison. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com