Carmen Delia Melendez, 53

DOVER - Carmen Delia Melendez of Dover died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 53.

Ms. Melendez was born April 24, 1953, in New York, but was raised in Smyrna. She also lived in Colorado and Rehoboth Beach.

She was a cook for most of her life in the Modern Maturity Center, the Country Squire, the Starboard Restaurant and Kimberlees. No one ever left her house hungry.

Ms. Melendez frequently visited with her foster children and dogs during the summer to play in the ocean and boardwalk arcades.

She was a beloved foster parent of more than 40 children in Delaware and Colorado. Many of her babies went on to be adopted by loving families. She had fond memories of her children growing up, getting married and treasured the pictures of their healthy babies that were sent to her.

She was a June Jam staple since its third year. She was a primary cook and made many friends, whom she regarded as family. She looked forward to each year's annual event to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

Ms. Melendez was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Dover, at the time of her death.

She is survived by her mother, Maria Medina.

Services will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Touchdown Restaurant, 1666 S. DuPont Highway, Dover.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to help with services.

Arrangements by Pippin Funeral Home, Camden.