Melody Rae “Mel” Mackill-Luzzi passed on Thursday, May 30, 2024. She was born to Robert Bruce and Grace Luton in Humboldt County in 1951.

She battled leukemia for more than a decade and was a fierce supporter of her friends and family. Her family BBQs were a well-loved highlight for the Fourth of July, and her warm voice greeting you on a phone call lightened every day.

Mel raised her two sons, Michael Mackill and Gordon Mackill (April) between Humboldt county and Kamloops, B.C, Canada. Mel’s older son, Michael, introduced Mel to her husband, Ray Luzzi, in Eureka. Their love story includes 25 years together, many trips to Reno for the Hot August Nights car show and festival, owning and operating their unique boutique store (The Blue Goose), and spans across Humboldt and Mendocino counties.

Gordon has remarked many times that he has never seen his mother’s natural hair color — she was known for a custom fiery shade of red that matched her passion for living with love and purpose.

She and her sisters Harmony (children Chris and Misty), Holly (daughters Randi Jo and Rebecca), and Tami (daughters Lyndsey and Lacie) were raised in the redwoods. Mel was an active and excited member of her home community as both a hairdresser and at her checkout line at the local Safeway market.

Mel was preceded in death by her parents (Robert Bruce Luton and Grace E. Luton) and her sons’ father (Frank C. Mackill).

Mel’s family and close friends will be celebrating her life privately. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks you to consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in her memory.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Mel Mackill-Luzzi’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.