Sharon “Shari” Lynn Lotz Melbourne, the self-declared “Little Old Lady from Upper Darby,” passed away February 25, 2026 at age 83. Shari was born in Bucyrus, Ohio on August 25, 1942 to school teacher Jacob “Jack” Lotz and homemaker Ruth (Simpson) Lotz. She graduated from Hiedelberg College in 1964, where she met her future husband, Arthur “Tom” Melbourne. They married in 1965.<\/p>\n
Children’s education was one of the great passions of Shari’s life, which she pursued first as a teacher, then as a devoted stay-at-home mom, and later as a volunteer with Upper Darby’s elementary school gifted program and the Sunday school at Crossroads Community Church.<\/p>\n
For several years, Shari also served part-time as the charitable registration specialist at Interserve USA.<\/p>\n
Shari was a talented amateur cartoonist and a classic era Doctor Who superfan. In the 80s and 90s, she helped to run the largest American fan club for actor Jon Pertwee and the Pertwee Papers newsletter.<\/p>\n
A multiple cancer survivor, Shari’s faith called her to reach out to others at the start of their cancer journeys with inspiring words and motivational and often very silly cartoons.<\/p>\n
Her beloved Tom passed in 2014. Her sister, Beverly “Bev” Atkins passed in 2024.<\/p>\n
She leaves behind three children, John and his wife Ashley, Sarah, and Drew and his wife Laura, and one grandchild, Sam.<\/p>\n
Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Service, Saturday, March 7, 2026, 1:00 PM Crossroads Community Church, 104 Heather Road, Upper Darby, PA. The Interment will be private.<\/p>\n