After a four-year battle with cancer, Durham musician Letha Rodman Melchior died last night

Durham painter and musician Letha Rodman Melchior died last night, following a four-year battle with cancer. She was 55.

On his personal Facebook page, Dan Melchior, Letha’s husband, wrote, “My darling Letha passed away tonight at approximately 9.05. Obviously, I am heartbroken, as I’m sure many others will be. She was the best.”

Letha played bass in her husband’s band, Und Das Menace, and made her own music, often under the name Tretetam. Respected around the world for wildly diverse and experimental brand of rock, the British-born Dan Melchior settled in Durham eight years ago, living and working side-by-side with Letha and Glen, the couple’s beloved parakeet.

Letha was diagnosed with melanoma in December 2010. A month later, she found out that she also had breast cancer. Support for the Melchiors flowed in freely after that, with benefit concerts held in several spots across the country, including several local shows. Both she and Dan remained remarkably upbeat and active throughout their struggle. She continued to paint and record experimental music, while detailing the experience on Letha’s Happy Hospital Funtime Blog! Her last record, Shimmering Ghost, arrives next week via Siltbreeze. “Edymion Mwcie,” the lead single that very much invokes that titular image, is streaming below.