Melanie Sue Kaprocki

Melanie Sue Kaprocki, 27, of Deltona, passed away at her home on Sunday, October 26, 2014 of natural causes.

She was born in Longwood, Florida, the daughter of Edward and Constance (Helpling) Kaprocki. She was a graduate of Deltona High School and attended the University of Central Florida, obtaining dual Bachelor of Science degrees in psychology and computer science. Melanie was completing her first year of study at UCF in the Computer Science doctorate program and enjoyed her position as a graduate teaching assistant at UCF. She was serving as president of the Honor Society for the Computing and Information Disciplines, Upsilon Pi Epsilon, and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Pi Society for Leadership and Success.

Melanie's last few weeks were the happiest of her life, spent in the glow of a proposal by her soulmate, Steven. The two met during Melanie's externship with Steven's employer, and they hit it off immediately. Their first date was a New Year's Eve 2012 party hosted by her good friends Darrin and Kathleen O'Brady, and everyone could tell right away they were meant for each other. Their love grew as the months and years passed, until Steven finally asked the important question on October 12th, and the Vergenz family adopted her as one of their own. Melanie and Steven were scheduled to move into a house together on November 1st.

Melanie was a joyful spirit who brought light, love and happiness to all she met. Wise beyond her years and never meeting a stranger, she had a genuine interest in everyone she met. Adventurous, she was a certified scuba diver, a skydiver, and an ardent world traveler. Her travels included visits to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Kuwait, and destinations throughout the United States. Her goal was to visit every continent with her future husband Steven.

She loved animals, rainy days and the color purple. She volunteered at the Central Florida Zoo on the Teen Team, and she always rescued any distressed animals she came in contact with.

The world is dimmer for her absence, but Heaven is just that much brighter. We will miss her terribly.

Melanie is survived by her parents Constance Kaprocki of Deltona, FL and Edward Kaprocki of Daytona Beach, FL; fiancé, Steven P. Vergenz of Orlando, FL; brother, Matthew E. (Caitlin) Kaprocki of Arley, AL; sister, Melissa A. (Jason) Manthey of Orange, CA; grandmothers, Dorothy Kaprocki of Harrisburg, PA and Carol A. Ashley of Anderson, IN; grandfather, Osmond T. Helpling of Deltona, FL; and many aunts, uncles and cousins all over the United States. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Francis Kaprocki.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Melanie's name to the ASPCA, her favorite charity.