Fu, Melani Mechanicville, New York Melani Rebekah Mehana Fu, daughter of Abby R. Anderson and Wesley Fu of Mechanicville, passed away oIn Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Mt. Sinai Medical Center with her family at her side. She was 3. Born on March 7, 2008 in Albany, she is the sister of Alex Hill. In addition to her parents and brother, and special friend, Racheal LaPlante, Melani leaves behind her maternal grandparents, Jeanne and Allan Anderson of Mechanicville, her paternal grandmother Virginia Fu of Phoenix, AZ, her maternal great grandmother Marilyn Slevin of Highland Mills, paternal great grandmother Evelyn DuVal of Phoenix, AZ and great uncle Larry Reynolds of Chandler, AZ. Melani is also survived by her aunts, uncles and cousins, Brenda Maynard and children Kayla and Keesha Maynard of Branson, MO, Melissa Fu Sanchez and Josh Sanchez and children Isaac, Abraham, Joseph, Samuel and Benjamin of Mechanicville, Aaron Fu and son Elijah Fu of Phoenix, AZ and Hillary Anderson of Mechanicville. Also survived by her great aunts, great uncles and cousins as well as her family in Kauai, HI. Melani is predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Landis Fu, her maternal great grandmother Aldona Anderson, paternal great grandparents John and Alice Maglenti and Lono Fu. When Melani was about 9 months old she contracted a cold, which landed her in the hospital. Several tests were done and in time it was found that Melani had one of the rarest forms of mitochondrial disease. She was unable to digest her food properly, so at around 9 months old she was placed on a feeding tube. Melani was also born deaf. But when Melani smiled or laughed, you'd never know she couldn't hear you. We believe Mei's laugh was more than a laugh coming from a child, it blessed everyone she met. Soon Melani became part of the ongoing efforts of the New Beginnings team of Saratoga County. When she was an infant, doctors had cautioned us not to expect much. They said she might not be able even to sit. But with the help of this dedicated team of therapists she could sit, reach, and even stand and much more -- including some sign language. Although her parents and family worried and feared for this precious angel, Melani rarely cried or even frowned except when she was sick. She had such a genuine smile, just like her dads. At the very early age of 2 months old, her mother Abby found that by making Melani's feet move, Melani would laugh. It seemed from that moment on, Melani never stopped smiling. It was a way for Mei to say, "Everything is ok with me". Mei seemed to giggle most when her dad did his funny dance for her. We have so many memories to cherish! We will remember how she loved the water and bath time; everyone nearby was in range of her enthusiastic splashing. Believe it or not, she had her favorite TV shows and could complain loudly if it was turned off before she was ready.Melani loved being outside, she seemed to blossom with the natural surroundings of the sun and slight breeze. She loved walks with her dad and brother Alex, swinging on the swing at the park and she especially loved camping. That was her element! We know that Melani is in Heaven now, free from all physical limitations.We will never forget her smile, her grin, her hugs and her strong spirit.She was a gift from God. Relatives and friends may call from 10-12 noon on Friday, February 3 at the Hoosic Valley Community Church. ( 2024 State Route 40, Schaghticoke, NY 12154, 518 753-6984 ). A celebration of Melanis life will be held at noon at the church with Pastor Clyde McCaskill, officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Church Cemetery, Troy. There will be a gathering at the church following the committal to share fellowship and refreshments. The family would like to thank Rachel Austin, Maria Hicks, Kim Rothwell and the entire New Beginnings Team, their family and neighbors in the City of Mechanicville for everything that they have done, Dr. Braga, the Oakwood Church in Troy, Pastor Clyde and the members of the Hoosic Valley Community Church, the parishioners of Emmanuel United Church in Mechanicville, Rev. Hector Rivera and Dr. Darius Adams and the entire Pediatric Genetics Group, and all the doctors and staff at Albany Medical Center Hospital. Memorials may be made in honor of Melani to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, 8085 Saltsburg Road, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15239 www.umdf.orgor to Amandas Journey Foundation, 70 Town Office Road, Troy, NY 12180 www.amandasjourney.org. Arrangements by the Chase-Smith Family Funeral Homes, 319 Park Avenue, Mechanicville (518 664-3731) Online remembrances may be made at www.chasesmithfamily.com