Around Town – February 23, 2023

Condolences

Jean File Melby
On Feb. 5, 2023, Jean File Melby of Charlotte passed away at the age of 92 at the McClure Miller Respite House after living independently at home. Jean Melby was born on Aug. 7, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Sydney and Helen File. With her family, she moved to Milwaukee, Wisc., then to South Chicago, and then finally to Maplewood, N.J., where she finished high school and met her future husband, Dr. Edward C. Melby Jr.

Jean attended Rutgers University for two years and finished her degree at Ithaca College (’53) in physical education. She spent summers working at the Silver Bay Association on Lake George where she was known for her performance dance and choreography skills.

In Ithaca, she married and began her career teaching physical education. Upon Ed’s graduation from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, she and Ed moved to Cornwall, Vt., where together they raised a family and ran a veterinary practice. In the early ‘60s following Ed’s career move, Jean and family moved to Baltimore, Md. While in Baltimore, she devoted her time to raising four children, taught physical education and volunteered her time in various school activities. In 1974, the family moved to Ithaca, N.Y.

Along with raising her children, she carried on the various roles of dean’s wife, learned and transcribed braille for the blind and pursued her interest in watercolor painting. From Ithaca, Jean and Ed moved to Villanova, Pa., and finally back to Vermont where they lived until their passing. In Vermont, Jean volunteered as a proofreader at The Charlotte News, developed a community of friends and enjoyed her summers at the family camp on Lake Champlain, spending many enjoyable hours playing mixed tennis doubles.

Jean File Melby is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Edward C. Melby Jr, her parents Sidney and Helen File, and her brother Arthur File. She is survived by her four children; Scott E Melby, Susan Melby Robb, Jeffrey T Melby and Richard A. Melby; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A private family memorial service is planned at a later specified date. Please consider an unsolicited act of kindness to others for honoring Jean’s life. Donations may be sent to the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt., or the Silver Bay Association in Hague, N.Y.

Congratulations

Caroline Reynolds of Charlotte was recently initiated into the Tulane University Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society.