Melody Lee Dickinson FANTON, 77, of Wellsville, NY, passed away surrounded by love on June 15, 2026. 

Born May 31, 1949, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Virginia “June” Dickinson and David L. Dickinson. Melody married Darwin Lewis Fanton on May 16, 1970. They shared 56 years of wholehearted love together and had three children: Michele D Fanton of Honeoye Falls, Doreen L Fanton of Ithaca, and Darren L Fanton (Renee) of West Clarksville. Melody was endlessly proud of her children and grandchildren, of which she had seven: Abigail Goldstein, Emerson Goldstein, Kayli Giardini, Caden Giardini, Raegan Giardini, Allison Fanton, and Oscar Sowards. She is also survived by her younger sister, Rebecca Dickinson Wightman (James) with whom she was very close; several nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends. 

She will be remembered for her calm, kind personality; witty, light-hearted humor; and love of music, singing, reading, sewing, gardening, and watching birds (specifically hummingbirds). As her name suggests, singing brought great joy to Melody, and she was a long-time member of the Genesee Valley Chorus. She worked as a Principal Clerk at the David A. Howe Public Library and was the owner of Grassroots Natural Health in Wellsville. 

Friends may call at Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM, followed immediately by graveside funeral services at Stannards Cemetery in Willing, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

“To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else” ~Emily Dickinson