Melani Marie Ortiz

November 20, 2016 - January 22, 2019

Melani Marie Ortiz, age 2, passed away on Tuesday January 22, 2019 at Ann and Robert H. Lurie’s Children Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Preceded in death by her paternal great grandfather, Victor Ruiz; maternal great grandfather, Ishmael Perez; maternal great grandmother, Mercedes Martinez; paternal great grandfather, David Ortiz; and cousin, Amaya Lord. Survived by her parents, Christian Lopez and Amanda Ortiz; paternal grandparents, Pedro Lopez and Martha Ortiz; maternal grandparents, Adolfo and Rosa Ortiz; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. Melani Marie Ortiz was born on November 20, 2016. Bringing love and happiness to everyone’s life that she touched, Melani was a very joyful, cheerful child that was always smiling. She had a special bond with her daddy, and was known to him as “my little chicken nugget.” Melani loved to blow kisses to everyone and was a little “daredevil” with no limits and showing no fear. A few of her favorites were Elmo and Minnie Mouse. She enjoyed dancing to Dave and Ava, watching Frozen, and most recently, liked watching Boss Baby. Melani was such a smart little girl. She learned through sign language how to tell mommy and daddy many things, such as “thank you.” Doritos was her favorite snack. One chip was never enough; she always had to have two. Melani was a fighter until the end and never gave up. She will be truly missed, and always in the hearts of her loved ones. Melani’s family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, Miranda Jameson, Dina Hall, Megan Mercedes, Jennifer Maynard, and Sandra Palencia, for giving exceptional care and love to their daughter.