Gildea, Melinda Jane, of Cohasset MA, passed away from a combination of ailments, which she fought long and hard to overcome, on June 12, 2018, just a few days shy of her 61st birthday. She is survived by her husband, William Gildea and their two children, Marissa Gildea and Will Gildea, along with 16 cousins, 40 nieces and nephews and, at last count, 13 grand nieces and nephews. Melinda was born in Boston, MA on June 16, 1957 to Edward T. and Rosemary Martin of Needham, MA. She was the second of the four Martin children and leaves behind her three siblings: Patricia A. Tucker of Atlanta GA, Robert E. Martin and his wife Catherine of Mansfield MA, and Lori T. Martin of Cotuit MA. Mel, Tilly, and Lidda are but a few of her many nicknames, each meant to capture the mischievous and fun loving spirit that flowed from her like a fountain. She went to the Pollard Middle School in Needham where she was recognized for perfect attendance, then to Needham High School and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst earning a degree in Communications and turning down an offer to meet Bruce Springsteen before he was famous. Melinda spent her summers on Popponesset Beach where she developed a love for nature and animals. She loved her time with her children Marissa and Will more than anything, especially during the summers by the ocean. Over the years she had many dogs, each one more precious to her than the last. Charlie, Poppy, Tasha, Scout and Rufus were all treated like royalty and each loved her unconditionally in return. Whether on the Cape or in Cohasset she could be found reading on the beach, working on her crossword puzzle, or weeding the yard and flower garden. Her infectious smile, sharp wit and love of life allowed Melinda to make friends easily and she did so throughout her life. Her sense of humor was a source of pleasure and energy for all who knew her and she kept that humor until the end. Melinda enjoyed a wide variety of literature and was quoting Oscar Wilde from her hospital bed: “My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go”.When describing her life, everybody uses the same three words: humor, kindness and honesty. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org.
The Gildea and Martin families will hold a Celebration of Life service at the Lure in Mashpee on June 19th from 4 – 7 PM.
For more information contact the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home – 617.323.5600.