The relationships and dating coach – who leaves behind husband Gareth and 10-year-old daughter Maddie – passed away peacefully on Tuesday following a brave battle with colon cancer.
Gareth wrote a heartfelt post on her Instagram page, praising Mel – who worked on the UK and Australian versions of the show – as an “incredible mum, role model, and soulmate”.
Part of the post read: “Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.
“In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life. It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.
“This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 – and nailed both.
“This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.
“To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.”
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Following Mel‘s passing, Gareth has encouraged others to live their lives “to the full” and to “try not to sweat the small stuff”.
The post added: “Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.
“I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful.
“Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again.”
Earlier this month, Mel had told fans she didn’t know how long she had left after the cancer had spread to her brain.
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