Melaina Elizabeth Vaccaro-Escobar

Melaina Elizabeth Vaccaro-Escobar, of Vero Beach, Florida, a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister, passed away peacefully at the age of 40 on Sunday, December 13, 2020, after a courageous battle with breast cancer, with her immediate family at her bedside.

Melaina was born May 5, 1980 in Enid, Oklahoma and is survived by her husband, Pablo Escobar, their two daughters, Olivia (12) and Sophia (9), her parents, Colonel (Ret.) Victor Vaccaro and Donna Beall, and sister, Antoinette (Toni) Webster.

Born into a United States Air Force military family, Melaina traveled the world with her family and made life-long friends and memories everywhere they were stationed.  While attending a family wedding in New Jersey in 2000, she met her future husband Pablo Escobar.  They married November 6, 2004 and settled in Vero Beach as 18-year residents.

Melaina excelled in school, tennis, and playing the piano.  She graduated from Centreville High School in Virginia in 1998 and the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance in 2002, where she also worked as an intern for Merrill Lynch during the summer and was subsequently hired after graduation.  She was awarded her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Florida in 2007 and continued to excel with Merrill Lynch as a Registered Senior Wealth Management Client Associate.  She was truly loved and cherished by her co-workers, friends and clients.

Melaina also loved spending time with her family and friends. She loved to travel and make wonderful and everlasting memories.  She was a natural leader in her personal and professional life, and she was witty, fun-loving, and always enjoyed bringing laughter and happiness to those around her.   Even during her sickest moments, Melaina was always thinking of others first, placing their needs ahead of hers, and she made certain everyone felt loved and taken care of.

As avid animal lovers, Melaina, Pablo and their girls could often be found on their 35-acre property enjoying their rescued horses and donkeys and tending to their cattle.  Melaina and her family were also deeply involved in the Indian River Riding Club where she loved watching her daughters compete in barrel racing.

Melaina loved finding quiet time to fall into a good book, doing crossword puzzles, or playing Trivial Pursuit. You could also find her relaxing on a beach or out on the boat cruising with her family. Her life will live on through the incredible memories she created among her family and friends.  Her fun-loving nature and laughter will forever be remembered in the stories told and memories shared.

While Melaina will be deeply missed by all, she insisted she did not want to be remembered as being sick or dying of that sickness.  Melaina wanted to be remembered as everyone knew her – as Melaina, the hard working, fun, kind, caring, and loving person she truly was.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Melaina Vaccaro-Escobar Family Support Trust through Venmo @MiraclesForMelaina.

A Memorial Service for Melaina will be held Saturday, January 2, 2021, at 10:30 am at the Christ Fellowship Church in Vero Beach, Florida.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.