Melene Ann Hart Delany of Charlottesville, Virginia and East Hampton, New York passed away March 28, 2007 at Our Lady of Peace after a long bout with Alzheimers disease.

She was born on March 5, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York. She was predeceased in death by her parents, Dr. Francis Hart and Natalie Howard Hart; and her brother Francis Howard Hart, who was killed serving in World War II. Her grandfather William Howard built and developed Howard's Beach in Brooklyn, New York in the early 1900's.

She is survived by her husband, A. Graham Delany, Sr.; her children Peter Graham Delany and his wife Grenelle of Charlottesville; Brooke Louis Delany of Denver, Colorado; A. Graham Delany, Jr. and his wife Teri of Charlottesville and D. Scott Delany of Tokyo, Japan; seven grandchildren, Gray and Charlotte Delany, Mallory, Paxton, and Jack Delany and Paige and Brendan Delany. She is also survived by her dear sister Jean Natalie Chandler and her husband Bill of Annapolis, Maryland.

Melene married her husband Graham in 1944 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. She raised her family in Garden City, and later moved to Charlottesville, Virginia in 1969.

She was a member of the Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Virginia, The Cherry Valley Club in Garden City, The Maidestone Club in East Hampton, New York and the Devon Yacht Club in Amaganset, New York. She was an active member of the Garden Club.

Melene had a keen zest for life and with that came an incredible amount of energy. She loved to play tennis, golf, ski, and horseback ride, all at a fast pace. As a youth, she was an accomplished speed skater. Melene enjoyed nice sunny afternoons on the Devon beach in her tennis clothes. She liked to read and do crossword puzzles. Melene loved to have a good time!

The family would like to show special appreciation to the caring staff at Our Lady of Peace and the Christopher Center. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Our Lady of Peace Employee Christmas Fund or to The Alzheimer's Association.

Interment will be private at the Monticello Memory Garden Cemetery. There will be a memorial service honoring her life at a later time.