In Fond Memory of Melanie Beth Schaffner

In Fond Memory of

Melanie Beth Schaffner

February 21, 1969 – July 5, 2024

Writing a memorial for Melanie Schaffner, a former journalist for ROX Magazine, has been overwhelmingly difficult for me. Not only was she one of the publication’s most professional writers, but she was also a friend. In fact, because I lack the precise words to pen the perfect tribute, this is the type of assignment I would have passed along to her. Without hesitation, Melanie would have exuberantly accepted the challenge, had it to the office before deadline, and written the copy with accuracy, style and finesse, requiring little to no editing on my part as the publication’s managing editor. 

She was – simply stated – an extraordinary journalist as well as human being.

But Melanie’s remarkable life, filled with professional and personal triumphs, ended on July 5, 2024, when she died peacefully in her home at age 55 after valiantly battling cancer. In a deeply poignant post on Facebook on June 21, 2024, after moving into home hospice care to spend her remaining time with her partner, Marc Rollins, her family, friends and beloved cats, she acknowledged: “I have experienced an incredibly rich, satisfying life, full of love and adventure. I’m so glad that whenever time/means allowed, I didn’t ‘wait for later’ but rather [took the trip/saw the concert/ate the fancy meal/went on the adventure/tried the new hobby/bought the expensive tickets/got the degree/and so on]. And that I had so many wonderful friends and family willing to join me in these experiences. There’s very little left on my ‘bucket list’ – my bucket is overflowing, and I am grateful. I mostly worry about those I leave behind, and their sorrow, pain, and grief.”

As ever, Melanie’s eloquence allowed insight into this amazing woman who graced so many people with her sparkling eyes and smile, generous spirit and genuine passion for life, particularly music. Instead of being a one-genre-and-done gal, Melanie’s eclectic tastes encompassed music in all its glorious forms. She lived and breathed music in all its multifaceted essence, and her passion for all genres was palpable.

The ROX Magazine staff first met Melanie when she was working in NYC for Concrete Marketing and Management and Capitol Records in 1989. She was marketing bands to the publication, and as a fellow Marylander, our connection to her was instantaneous. In a business where many presented a façade, Melanie was genuine. And, since she lived on Sullivan Street in the West Village, a carload of ROX staff would head up to the city and occupy her floor in a tiny two-bedroom, one-crypt (she slept in a micro loft above the bathroom) apartment. There we forged bonds of friendship as well as perused her extensive collection of music, which was always in meticulous, easily accessible order, while we marveled at her eclectic tastes. 

Always the consummate professional, she avoided conflicts of interest when offered assignments, and her byline appeared on numerous articles in the magazine. Melanie relished interviewing both national and local bands, and her articles captivated readers. Through her words, you sensed her unmitigated passion for music. 

Melanie treasured music every day of her life, and she found great joy in the artistry of musicians. ROX staff were introduced to unknown bands and genres because of Melanie, whether at live shows or via recorded music. Our musical worlds expanded due to her passion and extensive knowledge of numerous genres outside the confines of rock ‘n’ roll.

Melanie also touched many other lives with her compassion, work ethic and intelligence. For the past 27 years, she worked for Johns Hopkins University’s Project MUSE in Baltimore, Md., in a variety of marketing and management positions, which culminated in the role of Director of Communication, Marketing, and Engagement in 2023. Additionally, her life was filled with extensive travel, Broadway shows, animal rescue efforts, roller derby officiating, savoring good food and living life to its fullest.

We at ROX are eternally grateful she entered our lives as she shared her infectious laugh, bright smile, wit, intellectual brilliance, and musical prowess with us. Eric Sokel, the publisher of ROX Magazine, the staff and I extend our deepest condolences to her partner, Marc Rollins, her family and friends. Melanie will forever be remembered as a warm, brilliant, generous staff member and friend who enriched our lives.

For anyone wishing to honor Melanie’s memory, she requested donations be made to Anne Arundel SaveCats, Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue: Gentle Giants or the Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation

A celebration of life will be planned for the near future, and ROX will update this information when a date and location have been confirmed.

Melanie Beth Schaffner official obituary 

(Written for ROX Magazine by Sue Hodges Grant)