Obituary of Melissa Mead

Melissa Mead, 54, of Loudonville, passed away on February 15, 2022 with her parents and sisters by her side. She was born in Schenectady on November 4, 1967.

For those who didn’t know Missy well, she was the strongest, smartest and kindest person. She was born fighting at only 2 pounds with cerebral palsy, beat the odds and shattered misconceptions and stereotype throughout her life. She was the first disabled child to be mainstreamed at Shenendehowa Schools, paving the way for a future of inclusion and education. She and her father helped make Clover Patch Camp into a place where children with disabilities could learn, grow and experience nature.

She went on to earn a BA in psychology with manors in French and Spanish – magna cum laude and an MS in rehabilitation counseling – summa cum laude from SUNY Albany, all while once agin beating impossible odds fighting a nearly lethal case of autoimmune hepatitis.

Nothing ever stopped her or got her down. She lived a life of humbled success, drove her own van, owned and lived in her own house, all while being a published author and very well respected science fiction writer. This is on top of being a disability analyst for the State of NY. She took great pride in having cooked a dish from every country in the world.

Even while at the hospital her focus was always on everyone else being OK. She spent her life trying to make the world a better place when it already was, just because she was in it.

She is survived by her parents Roger and Judy Mead (Schwennker) of Clifton Park, her sisters, Wendy Kuehner (Soahn) of Charlton and Cindy Gotobed (Mark) of Burnt Hills. Also two aunts, 1 niece, 3 nephews and many cousins. A special thanks to Eric and Luann Mead for all the help they have given her.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Toys for Tots or a favorite animal charity.

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