Melanie Ann Toranto

Melanie Ann Holton Toranto was received into heaven on January 15, 2023.

Melanie was born to Gladys Chighazola Holton and George Arlington Holton on October 23, 1934. It was a most blessed day.

Melanie is preceded in death by her parents Gladys and George, three of her five children: Shelly Ann Toranto Ellis, Thomas Jacob Toranto lll, and Sheryl Elizabeth Toranto, her grandson, Thomas Jacob Toranto lV, and her sister, Sonja Vervik.

She is survived by her daughters, Shawn L. Toranto (AJ), Sharon Marie Toranto; her loving sister, Brenda V. Daussat and sister-in-law Loris "Honey" Toranto; her son-in-law Mark Ellis and daughter-in-law Sarah Vassigh; her beautiful and much beloved grandchildren Javin Lacson (Jhoed), Emily Capdeville (Barry), Joshua Capdeville (Bret), Hilary Ellis Robinson (Joshua), Whitney Ellis (Jordan), Gus Ellis (Leah), Tessa Toranto, Sarah Toranto, and Jaime Loo; her loving great-grandchildren for whom she earned the name “GG”, Elliott Emile Brunet, Ellis Robinson, Astrid Robinson, and Elijah Peyton, her loving nieces Loris "Honey B" Toranto, Ashley D. Director (Lane) and Courtney Daussat; and her loving caretaker, Adrienne.

Known affectionately as Mel, Mellie, Momsie, Gannee and GG, Melanie was a devoted homemaker and mother to her five energetic and much-loved children during her early adulthood. When she reentered the workforce, she enjoyed a successful career in interior design in both New Orleans and Southern California. She continued to work with her adoring clients even after her retirement and regularly offered free advice to her grandchildren as they started to build their own homes. A creative soul, Melanie loved to paint and left behind beautiful works of art to be cherished by her family. She spoke often of her childhood spent on Grand Isle and her skills speaking French. She often reminisced about her time singing and performing as a young woman in New Orleans, and she continued singing until the end. She loved to travel with her children and grandchildren, spending time abroad well into her 80’s. She was a joyful, optimistic addition to every gathering and will be deeply, deeply missed. 

Melanie will always live on in our hearts as a kind, strong, talented, funny, positive, and most loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 24th from 11:30 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. with a Mass to follow at 12:00 P.M.at Holy Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans, LA. A private interment will follow at a later date.

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