Melva Lou Tallal

Melva was born November 27, 1927, in Dallas, Texas, the first child of Edith, "Eche", Christie and Newton Maddox. Little sister, Norma Ann joined them two years later. When Melva was 5, Newton died of tuberculosis, and Edith was diagnosed a year later with the same disease. Edith spent the next ten years in the Sanatorium in San Angelo, Texas.

Melva and Norma were raised by their maternal grandparents, Warren and Lula Christie in Frisco, Texas, on the family farm, just behind what is now the Home Depot at SH121 and SH 544. Because there were still aunts and uncles at home, the little girls lived a "Walton-Like" life on the family farm. The youngest uncle, Robert, married the very young Donna and he promptly went off to the Navy in WWII. Donna stayed with the family on the farm. Melva and Donna would wash up dishes quickly after dinner and hurry out to the outhouse with a flashlight to read magazines and giggle. Their friendship continued until Donna's death in 2006. They shared loves of flower arranging, millinery during the Jacque Kennedy era, making trade bead necklaces, sewing and many other pastimes.

While growing up, the very talented sisters often sang at weddings and other events. Graduating from Frisco High School, Melva was chosen Most Beautiful of her Senior Class and dated the star football player, James Marrion. She served as Secretary and President of the Future Homemakers of Texas, was on the editorial Staff of the "Coonskin", the school newspaper, chosen the Sweetheart of the Future Farmers of America, was on the Pep Squad, and in the Junior and Senior, graduating in 1940. She attended TSCW, now TWU, majoring in tailoring. She often talked about taking the train to Texas A & M for arranged dates with Aggies for the football games. She often reminisced about the great times she had. After dating James Marion through high school, she met Guy C. Connelly. Melva and James remained friends for over 60 years.

Melva married Guy Connelly in Dallas in 1947, and the two embarked on an adventure including ten years in the Air Force, living in Champaign, Illinois; Riverside, California; Tucson, Arizona; Lincoln, Nebraska; Crawford, Nebraska; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and finally coming home to Dallas in 1960. They had great adventures, many friends, and five children together.

Melva and Guy divorced in 1963. She moved her children to Richardson, to give her children a better education and to begin a new life. Going to work for a paycheck after nearly 15 years, she earned only $500 a month, $250 of which went to rent an apartment. Eche came to live with the family later that year to help with the brood and became a God-send. They never missed a meal or a good time together.

Mel married Joseph Tallal in 1967, adding five step-children to the family. She began a career as first a realtor, then as interior designer with Joe, and as a supporter of the arts. She served on many committees, as well as President of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra Guild. She was also active with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Guild, the Opera Guild, the Dallas Arboretum, Texas Winds and many others.

After Joe's death in 1988, she stayed active in cultural activities and worked part-time, but began to have a number of health problems. She gained her angel wings on April 13, 2013.

Melva is survived by her daughter Melinda Smith, husband E. Jan Smith, sons Guy C. Connelly, III, wife Anna, Dr. Jon C. Connelly, wife Jean, and Sam R. Connelly; grandchildren Patrick Connelly, wife Helen; Rachael Connelly Waxler, husband Ed; Dylan Connelly; C'ne Connelly Turner, husband Dax, Guy C. Connelly IV, and Jac Connelly; Eric and Leslie Rosemann, Trey and Kristin Tallal, Tiffany and Adam Lenhart, Kelly and Bobbie Osborn, and Kerry and Alisha Osborn.

Her legacy includes Great-grand children Owen, Lily, Abigail, and Amelia Smith; Cambelle and Graham Turner; Dakota Cairnes; Skyler and Tatum Tallal; Jackson and Landry Lenhart; Jacob, Luke, Samuel, and Maggie Osborn.

Also surviving are one aunt, Lu Christie, many nieces and nephews and an enormous group of loving friends.

Melva and the family want to thank all of the loving and caring friends and family who have made her life much better over the last few years, especially niece Cathy Turner Weems and the wonderful staff at the Gainesville Health and Rehabilitation Center under the care and management of Dr. Jon Connelly.

Melva, Ma-ma Mel, will be mourned and missed, but her legacy of fighting for what she thought necessary and nurturing and loving will long be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Texas Winds at www.texaswinds.org, 7038 Hunter's Ridge Drive, Dallas, TX 75248, or the Building fund at First United Methodist Church Richardson, www.fumcr.com, 503 North Central Expressway, Richardson, TX, 75080.

A celebration of her life will be held at First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 North Central Expressway at 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 18th.