Mary Ellen Melder

Melder OBIT

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Passed away on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at the age of 83. She is predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Honora (O’Connell) McWalters; sister, Oona McWalters and sister-in-law, Barbara Melder. MaryEllen is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, John; children, Sean Melder and Shannon McGuire; brother, Peter McWalters (wife Alice McWalters); sister, Ann Greehan; nieces and nephews, Jennifer McWalters, Molly Morano, Katherine McWalters, Maura Greehan, Michael Greehan, Daniel Lochner, Tara Lochner and Mary Francis LeBarre; grandchildren, Samantha, Amanda, Andrew, Drake, Johnathan and Elena and life-long friend Linda Heditniemi. 

MaryEllen grew up in Lynn, MA, graduated from St. Mary’s girls High School and Emmanuel College, Boston. She received a Master’s degree from the University of Virginia. MaryEllen taught at Rollins College, FL, Spellman College, Atlanta and after coming to Rochester taught for many years at Holy Cross, Cardinal Mooney HS and Aquinas Institute.

MaryEllen loved family, reading, theater, American and Irish history and literature as well as country music. Her family will miss her.

Friends may call Thursday (Feb 26th) 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road, where her Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM.  Private Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  

6 Comments

  1. Linda Hedetniemi on February 23, 2026 at 10:24 am

    Having MaryEllen in my life for 80 of my 83 years has been a blessing. We’ve shared so many happy and some sad times together through the years and remained close because of all of them.
    My sympathy and prayers go out to the family,
    Rest easy my forever friend!
    Love, Linda



  2. Janet Olexy on February 23, 2026 at 10:50 am

    I taught English at Aquinas with Mary Ellen. I was new to the profession, and she was very helpful and kind. We even shared a classroom for a year or two. She was a lovely person.



  3. Sue Miller on February 23, 2026 at 8:01 pm

    John, I am so sorry to read that your dear Mary Ellen has passed on. Undoubtedly, the most difficult thing in life is to lose a loved one, especially someone you’ve been married to for 59 years. May her soul rest in peace and please know that I’m thinking of you with loving thoughts and prayers. My heart is with you. With deepest sympathy, Sue MacDonald Miller.



  4. Kimberly Rouleau on February 24, 2026 at 11:54 am

    I loved Mary Ellen! She was my AP Literature teacher when I was in high school and my colleague when I taught 11th grade at AQ. She was a great person. I will miss my chance meetings with her at Wegmans.



  5. Joe Amorese HCS Class of 1971 on February 24, 2026 at 12:38 pm

    I remember her from my days at Holy Cross School. I remember her being very nice. She had a bit of an accent and we all thought she was from England. There should be more teachers like her in our school systems. My sympathy to her entire family.



  6. Angela Holy Cross Class of 1971 on February 24, 2026 at 1:19 pm

    Mrs. Melder was one of my favorite grammer school teachers at Holy Cross . I will always remember her kind manner and her infectious smile.
    My condolences to her family.



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