Surrounded by love, Melissa Ann Madison accepted her calling from God and entered into eternal rest at 7:55 a.m. June 29, 2020.
Melissa leaves behind her love Joe Galm and beloved animals Frankie, Rebel and Flower, brother Michael Madison and mother Marion Madison.
Born in Cleveland Ohio in 1967, Melissa grew up in Croton On The Hudson enjoying many friends and accomplishments in Southern Westchester NY but left the stressful corporate world to live the “country life” she always dreamed of.
An Ulster County resident from 2012 Melissa became a fixture in the local community while working at Vineyard Commons in Highland.
Melissa impacted the lives of so many in her multiple years working in geriatrics and wellness.
Melissa helped others have a better life. She mentored countless employees and spent quality time helping each one grow both personally and professionally. Melissa developed successful teams and received top performance awards for outstanding customer service at New York Sports Clubs.
Through her role as Life Enrichment Director at The Avalon Assisted Living, she brought smiles to the seniors every second she could. She was often known to go up and beyond for her residents to ensure they too felt loved and cared for.
Her humor and fun disposition will forever be present In the many buildings she has worked, in the minds of those who she’s touched and in the hearts of those who have had the privilege of loving her.
Melissa’s passions took her from the Hudson Valley to the Colorado Rocky Mountains where she enjoyed hiking, hunting, riding ATVs, and taking in all of nature’s beautiful sights. Melissa would embrace any new adventure that came her way; recently she learned to operate a bull dozer becoming a true country gal. She loved Jimmy Hendrix, horses, animals, nature, old movies, family, native Indian culture and being with friends.
In her last year, Melissa built a beautiful ranch style country home nestled on a hill with plenty of land for her Joey and their 7 four legged children. A celebration of life will be held at their new home come fall.
A graveside service was held on Friday, July 3 at St. Charles Cemetery in Gardiner, NY.