Melanie D. Jastillana

Melanie D. Jastillana, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, colleague and friend peacefully passed away on December 22, 2024, in Chula Vista CA, at the age of 52.  She was surrounded by her immediate family. 

Melanie was born on February 14, 1972 in Guam.  Melanie was a quiet, gentle and kind soul. She lived a faith filled life, full of love, adventure and service to those around her.  Melanie's kindness and generosity leaves an indelible mark on all those who knew her. 

She graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, College of Architecture and Environmental Design.  Melanie had a natural artistic talent and would soon put those skills into practice working at a variety of firms, The Austin Company, HDR, Criterion, to name a few.  About 10 years ago, she decided an early retirement was in order.   She walked away from her robust career to reprioritize and reset.  She devoted herself to spending time with her parents and traveled the world giving them rich experiences and creating lasting memories.  When not traveling, she was active in her nephew and nieces lives with everyday pick up and drop off to school, when they were younger.  She was at their games, camps, competitions, plays, theater productions, you name it!   Ever present and in full support, cheering them on as their ultimate fan. Melanie also actively served her community, she was a regular volunteer for Feeding San Diego.  She always looked for ways to give back, be it big or small.   She eventually took a part time, turned full time, job with Amazon in 2020.   That allowed for her flexibility to be present for the many immediate and extended family events. She was the most happy when surrounded by family.  

Melanie was a very simple person who found profound joys in a simplified life.  She was curious and adventurous, always planning for the next travel or what kind of business she could start up.  She loved her family fiercely, reprioritizing her life to make herself more available to her parents as they entered their golden age.   

Melanie is survived by her father, Pastor G. Jastillana, her mother, Rosalinda D. Jastillana, her sister, Mary Rose J. Nieves, her brother-in-law Eduardo R. Nieves, her nephew, Patrick Jacob J. Nieves, her nieces Isabella Rose J. Nieves and Gabriella Marie J. Nieves, as well as countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Melanie, also known as "Mel" to her friends and "Lanie" to family is deeply loved and will be sorely missed.   She will be fondly remembered for her kind heart, gentle ways, genuine and giving heart.   Her time with us here was short, but she lived a life full of love and her memory will live on.  God has  prepared her room and called for her to join him in heaven.  May she rest in peace.