Melanie J. Draus, 72 of Exeter, PA, passed away Friday morning, March 17, 2023 at Allied Services Hospice, Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Born January 31, 1951 in Plains Township, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Cecelia (Zawatski) Norakus.

Melanie attended Saints Peter & Paul elementary school, Plains, Luzerne County Community College, Wilkes University and Marywood University, earning her certification in counseling. She was employed as a drug and alcohol counselor at Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services, WVADS, Inc., Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Mel was a member of the PTA at Saints Peter & Paul school, Plains, and would give her time freely at area food banks in the Wilkes-Barre Area associated with the CEO Weinberg Food Bank. She was an animal lover, especially her cats and would donate to area cat rescues. She was a wonderful humanitarian, a true and authentic person and had a wonderful heart.

Melanie was smart, loyal, honest, always caring and worried about her fellow human beings and animals. She was opinionated, generous to every cause she believed in and could and would talk with you on the phone for hours discussing the issues. She would participate at the local food pantries, receiving her packages only to share her gifts with her friends and neighbors, especially on their birthdays and holidays. Melanie loved a manicure. She said it made her feel special. She loved lemon pastries and loved to go out to lunch or dinner with her friends.

Melanie was someone who worked hard as a counselor. She remembered her patients who unfortunately were addicted and went out of her way to counsel them and care for them. She was truly a special person and will always be remembered as a true warrior in the battle of her cancer. Since she was diagnosed with cancer she has fought so many medical issues, but she never gave up hope she would still have time on earth. She always wanted to live to see another day no matter how difficult.

Surviving are her son Elliot Draus, Hanover, PA, daughters Janice Davis Mezick, and Ursula Draus, sister Janice Kulikowski, Allentown, nephew Anthony Kulikowski and niece Leah Bradshaw. Mel also had a special place for her favorite cats, Tommy, Bucky and Smart.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705, with Deacon Donald Crane, officiating. Interment will be held in Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery, Plains. Family and friends may call Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the funeral home.

Memorial donations if desired may be made to Whiskers World, Inc., 100 William Street, Plains, PA 18705 or to CEO Weinberg Food Bank, 165 Amber Lane, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.