Melanie L. Hunnicutt

Melanie Lucash Hunnicutt, age 34, passed away from cancer on April 15, 2026. She leaves behind a lasting presence on her family and the many people whose lives she filled with love. While we are shattered by the loss of a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend gone far too soon, we also celebrate a life filled with “lovely little adventures.” Melanie was, in every sense, a rare kind of light. She radiated warmth, generosity, and an unmistakable energy that was impossible to ignore. She had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and truly cared for, and she was fiercely loyal – the kind of person you could always count on. She was incredibly funny, undeniably sassy, and unapologetically herself. Stubborn in the best way, deeply determined, and wonderfully opinionated, she stood firmly in who she was and what she believed.

She had a natural ability for building community and connection, turning everyday moments into meaningful relationships. She also had a beautiful instinct for knowing when someone needed her, often reaching out with exactly the right words at exactly the right moment. She moved through life with intention, pouring herself fully into the people she loved and the causes she believed in.

Melanie was born on May 4, 1991, in Princeton, New Jersey, where she grew up and developed the humor, curiosity, drive, and compassion that would define her life. She graduated from Stuart Country Day School and continued on to the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Behavior. She later received her Master of Public Health (MPH) from Indiana University Bloomington, where she met the love of her life, Jake.

Melanie and Jake met over drinks in August of 2013 and decided to never stop hanging out. Their relationship quickly deepened from friendly to romantic over countless days and evenings spent together in Bloomington and beyond. They married in March of 2021 and welcomed their two girls in May 2024 (Sam) and February 2026 (Drew).

Melanie’s professional life was rooted in her commitment to education, equity, and inclusive care. Across every role she held, her work was guided by a consistent thread: shaping cultures of inclusivity and learning to ensure LGBTQIA+ individuals could receive compassionate, affirming, and high-quality care. She led with intention, collaboration, and a belief in the power of education to create lasting change.

Ultimately, she found her professional home at the Mazzoni Center, where she worked for the last seven years. Most recently, she served as Assistant Director of Learning & Workforce Development, where she played a key role in shaping inclusive, evidence-based training and strengthening organizational culture.

Melanie was the most incredible mother to Sam and Drew. She delighted in the everyday moments of parenthood including morning playtime with the girls and going on family walks around the neighbourhood. Her presence was steady and warm, and she built a home rooted in comfort and joy. Her daughters were the center of her world, and her devotion to Sam and Drew will continue to live on in the way they grow, the way they love, and all the moments that carry her forward in them. In every life she touched, Melanie leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, intention, and deep, unwavering love. She was the first to put on Taylor Swift and the last to leave the dance floor.

Melanie is survived by her husband, Jake Hunnicutt; her daughters, Sam (23 months) and Drew (2 months); her parents, Nancy Lucash and Marty Lucash; her siblings Meghan Alexopulos (Nicholas Sieber-husband), Zachary Alexopulos (Sarah Rodenhouse-wife) and Nicholas Alexopulos (Quinn Alexopulos-wife); two nieces, and countless extended family members and friends who will carry her memory forward.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Theresa Lucash, Lawrence Lucash, Mary Jane Klein, and Charles Klein.

Though her absence leaves an unfillable space, her life reminds us to love fiercely, generously, and without hesitation, just as she always did.

A Celebration of Life for Melanie will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 24th at Flanner Buchanan - Broad Ripple. Following the funeral service, a reception/luncheon will be held at 12:00 pm at The Hunnicutt’s home (address to be shared with attendees).

Family and friends are invited for a Memorial Gathering from 4:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, April 23rd or from 10:00-11:00 AM on Friday, April 24th, at Flanner Buchanan - Broad Ripple.

The celebration of life for Melanie will be livestreamed via a link that can be found at the bottom of this page for anyone who is unable to attend in person.

Contributions in memory of Melanie may be made to a college fund for her daughters, Sam and Drew at the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebrate-melanies-life-donate-to-sam-and-drews-future