Melinda died of throat, neck and tongue cancer as a result of smoking. Melinda’s brother Tom (’72) told us that Melinda was living in Batavia, Illinois with her husband when she died following two very difficult years of cancer treatment. Melinda had attended Mansfield State College and Duquesne University, then moved to Maryland when she got married. She and her husband, James P. O’Brien, were married for over 25 years and although they did not have children, were blessed with 12 nieces and nephews whom they showered with kindness, love, and attention. Melinda also loved pets and had several dogs and birds.