Kirsten Melsheimer Schuster

Kirsten Melsheimer Schuster, 45 years old, lost a two-year battle with cancer on April 2nd 2018 at approximately 7:00pm mountain time. At her side were Rudy Schuster (husband) and parents, Patricia and Steve Melsheimer. Daughters Anya and Claudia also shared in her courageous battle. Kirsten called Fort Collins, Colorado home since 2009. She was born March 30th, 1973 in Anderson, South Carolina. Sisters Gretchen and Wendi were sources of friendship and strength for Kirsten during her journey.

In high school, Kirsten was a member of the Seneca High Band and the Beta Club. In her junior she began to excel in math and science and show interest in engineering. Upon entering Clemson University in 1991, she had decided to study Mechanical Engineering, and chose a Co-Op program to gain practical experience to complement her studies. She pursued a study abroad program in Germany and received a Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft Award for a year of study and practical training in Mechanical Engineering. Upon returning to the U.S., she had decided to focus her future career in Environmental Engineering and was accepted into the Environmental Engineering and Science masters program at Clemson University.

Kirsten and Rudy met in the traditional way—at a bar—while both attending graduate school. They were married in Clemson, South Carolina in May 2000. Shortly after marriage they began their lives together in Syracuse, New York where Kirsten was immediately, gainfully employed by Parsons Corporation as an environmental engineer. Kirsten embraced the long, cold, snowy winters in Central New York. However, after eight years enduring lake-effect-snow, Family Schuster relocated to the Front Range, Colorado and basked in the bountiful sunshine. Kirsten found a love for both alpine and Nordic skiing in the Rocky Mountains. The Fraser Valley provided welcome respite before and during her battle with cancer.

An avid runner, in Colorado Kirsten found fast, strong friendships in the Front Range marathon and trail running communities. These friendships and the endless moxie of fellow runners allowed her to push her limits and enter the ultra-marathon world (The beautiful Rocky Mountain views and blue skies helped too!).

Kirsten kept the friends she made. The people and experiences she carried with her from childhood and beyond were greatly valued. She reveled in the memories of hiking, camping, and discovering hidden waterfalls in the South Carolina Piedmont. Galivanting across Europe while a student provided fodder for memories and stories, some of which she shared and others that stayed with those who were there to experience them (what happens in Amsterdam stays in Amsterdam).

Raising children was a source of personal satisfaction and love for Kirsten. The relationships built in play-group, pre-school and St, Joseph's will never falter. Kirsten and the people from these worlds found each other and collectively created an environment full of love and education that will allow her daughters to thrive and know the love Kirsten provided for them.

Kirsten was an active and model neighbor. She was the one who brought cookies over when a new family moved in next door; invited you to go for a walk on a cool summer evening; made you a margarita on the front lawn while the children drew on the sidewalk with chalk; or hosted a Thanksgiving pot-luck dinner.

Kirsten's love and relationships thrived beyond immediate family. She embraced her aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relations no matter how distant. No excuse was too small for a visit; weddings, graduations, ski trips; or any other reason for family to gather was capitalized upon to share love and life.

Alas, all things must come to an end and this one seemingly too soon. Kirsten will be remembered as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and simply someone we love.