Heartbreaking Tribute to Mel Schilling from Her Make-Up Artist: “Moo, I Miss You So Much” 
In a touching tribute, Mel Schilling’s beloved make-up artist, Marney Hands, shared the emotional moment she broke down in tears while watching a video of the late Married At First Sight star on set. Mel’s passing last month, following her brave battle with colon cancer, left everyone devastated. Just days before her death, she shared the heart-wrenching news that the cancer had spread.
Her husband, Gareth, recalled a deeply moving moment where Mel, unable to speak, mustered all her strength to whisper a final message to him and their daughter Maddie—words that would stay with them forever. He shared, “To most of you, she was Mel Schilling—the matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To us, she was our Melsie: a loving mum, role model, and soulmate.”
As Marney reflected on their final moments together, she fondly remembered Mel’s last appearance on the show, saying, “This was it, Moo. The last time I got to do your hair and make-up… I’m so happy we went all out and created the look you loved for your farewell.”
Marney, who had been close friends with Mel for years, admitted to struggling with the loss, sharing how she breaks down every time she’s reminded of Mel’s absence. “There’s always a moment in the day when I go to send you a meme or a screenshot, and then I remember—you’re not here anymore,” she said.
In her tribute, Marney promised to honour Mel by living life with positivity, confidence, and grace, much like Mel did. “I’ll be glass half full, I’ll have good posture (like you always did), and I’ll laugh often. Thank you for being an incredible human being, Moo. I’m so lucky to have had you in my life.”
