Melanie E. Strine, 61, of Lancaster died Monday, September 8, 2008 at Lancashire Hall. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Eugene W. and Erma Westman Vatter. She was the wife of Kenneth L. Strine and they were married for 33 years. Melanie retired in June 2006 after 8 years of service as the coordinator of infection control for prisons in the Commonwealth of PA, previously, she worked at the former St. Joseph Hospital from 1979-1998, Lancaster General Hospital from 1972-1978, Denver, Colorado Children's Hospital and Philadelphia Children's Hospital.

She graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School in 1965, Lancaster School of Practical Nursing in 1966, Coatesville Hospital School of Nursing in 1971 and was certified in infection control by the CDC in 1994. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lancaster. Melanie volunteered with the Boys Scouts of America. She won the outstanding Volunteer Award from the Red Cross of Lancaster County in 1988 for her work with Aids Education.

Surviving besides her husband are three children: Michelle wife of Matthew Oppedisano of N.J., Emily Strine wife of Jan Weissenberger CA, David Strine of CA., two grandchildren: Matthew James and Patrick Ryan Oppedisano and one brother, Eugene Vatter Jr. Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut Street, Lancaster on Friday, September 12, 2008 at 11:30AM.with Rev Michael Grab as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman. There will be viewing at the church from 10:30-11:30AM. Contributions may be made in Melanie's memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O.Box 4125, Lancaster, Pa17604 or the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, Pa 17603. Arrangements are by the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home. To send condolences please visit, www.snyderfuneralhome.com