Melezandra D. Pipella

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Melezandra D. Pipella

July 3, 1954 ~ March 12, 2025

Our beloved Melezandra passed away comfortably at home, surrounded by her close family, on March 12. Her last days were spent visiting with friends and loved ones and ultimately finding peace, having reached the end of her two-year battle with aplastic anemia.

Melezandra was born in Vallejo, California to her parents Ruby and Gilbert Lopez in the summer of 1954. She was the youngest of three children, following Mike as the eldest and Silvia as the middle child. When they were very little, Silvia started to call her Zsa Zsa, as Melezandra was too long and difficult to say. The nickname lasted the rest of her life. When young, her family spent many years living in naval bases along the California coast, then moved back to Salt Lake City, where Ruby’s extended family lived. In Utah, much time was spent with aunts, uncles and cousins, creating lifelong friendships and cherished childhood memories.

In April of 1976, Zsa met Rodney Pipella while visiting their mutual friend at work. There was an immediate attraction, and they began dating shortly after. Rod and Zsa were married on September 16, 1977 and were devoted to each other for 48 wonderful years. In 1978 they bought a small home and began to prepare for a family. December 1981 marked the beginning of motherhood for Zsa when she gave birth to their daughter Ale. Zsa was a warm, attentive and supportive mom and created a loving home and safe harbor.

Zsa had a great capacity to love and in November of 2012 this love only continued to grow when she became a grandmother to Leo. Her second grandchild, Adeline, was born in December 2019.

Zsa had a lengthy and successful career as an administrative assistant in several offices on campus at the University of Utah.

Zsa is preceded in death by her mother and father, Ruby and Gilbert Lopez; her mother and father in-law Ella and Mike Pipella; as well as her grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Zsa is survived by her husband Rod, daughter Ale (Chris), grandchildren Leo and Adeline, her siblings Mike (Kelly) and Silvia and her nieces and nephews as well as many cousins, family and friends who loved her dearly.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on March 22, 2025 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Cottonwood Heights.