Imelda A. Minnich, 90, of Wilmington, DE passed away on Monday, September 3, 2012 at Willow Valley Retirement Community, Lancaster, PA, where she lived from 1994.   Born in Gary, West Virginia, Mel (as she was known to her friends) was the daughter to the late Andrew and Glenna May (Harman) Smith.  Mel was the beloved wife of 64 years to John Walter Minnich, who passed away in 2006.

Raised in a hotel, Mel enjoyed a childhood surrounded by family, animals, and travelers.   She later graduated from Radford University in Virginia.  She was a school teacher and real estate agent for many years, and was co-founder of the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association.  Mel was also an avid and accomplished photographer. A lifelong learner and teacher, she embraced new things even teaching computer lessons for many years at Willow Valley.  Mel also loved snorkeling in the BVI, caring for her horses and lost baby animals, and playing Bridge. One grandchild said, "She was a strong willed lady from West Virginia coal country.  Always quick with her wit and a sly smile, she was full of love for her family, and most of all, her husband of 64 years; together, they built a strong foundation for us all. We will miss her always."

Known to her family as Mom, Gram, Meem, and Memaw, Mel is survived by three children: John W. Minnich of San Francisco, CA; R. Andrew Minnich, husband of Diane of Atlanta, GA and Ann "Dixie" Charlton Abbott, wife of Richard of Cochranville, PA; six grandchildren: Amanda, Robert, Jamison, Carly, Lindsay and Jay; and five great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 21st at 1:00 PM at Willow Valley Manor North Auditorium, Lancaster, PA with light refreshments to follow.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding Inc., 190 Line Road, Malvern, PA 19355. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661