Melissa Lowe Vosburgh, of Lincoln, MA, passed away at home on October 21, 2023. She was 82.

Melissa's early chapters were set in California. Her parents, Alice and Floyd Lowe of Menlo Park, and her brother Lawson supported Melissa in her love of swimming and learning. She graduated high school from The Bishop's School in La Jolla, CA where she made lifelong friends and was a leader for the Gold Team.

In 1959, as a freshman at Colorado University in Boulder, Melissa met and fell in love with George Vosburgh. The two were married that June and never looked back. Their commitment to each other and their willingness to grow and change harmoniously served as a powerful example for all who knew them.

Melissa graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in History, but not before welcoming daughters Betsy and Caroline. For the first fifteen years of her marriage, Melissa focused on supporting her husband George in his teaching career and raising their young girls. Melissa taught herself to be an outstanding cook. She loved growing plants and keeping a garden.

In 1971, the family moved East. After three years in Meriden, NH, they moved to Amenia, NY where George became Headmaster at The Barlow School. Like so many great partnerships, Melissa was the silent strength, the even keel, and a mother figure for an entire community. When Barlow closed, George became the headmaster of The Kildonan School on the same campus. This change turned out to be an important turning point for Melissa.

For the first time, Melissa was recognized for her professional skills as a teacher, leader and role model. Alongside her husband, instead of in a purely supporting role, Melissa became an outstanding Orton-Gillingham tutor and trainer. She not only taught full time, but she also scheduled weekend activities, ran the bookstore and led meetings when George was otherwise occupied.

In 1986, Melissa and George were ready for a change. Betsy and Caroline were in college and they were ready to start a new chapter. This time, Melissa would take the lead, and they moved to Foxcroft School in VA where Melissa took a job as Dean of Students. At this very traditional all girls boarding school, Melissa was proud to support her students in a myriad of ways, which included introducing a community service program and a health and human sexuality program to the school for the first time.

When Melissa was working at Foxcroft, George was always looking for another job as head of school. In 1991, they moved to Wayne, PA where George became head of The Crossroads School. For the first time they were not joining a boarding school community. Instead, they purchased their first home, joined St. David's Church, and developed friendships and relationships with a larger community. Additionally, Niece Jessica Vosburgh joined them in Pennsylvania for her high school years.

Melissa started a position as an English teacher at St. Peter's School, a day school in downtown Philadelphia. The administration and board of trustees quickly realized her abilities and potential and hired her as their next Head of School. At this point, appropriately, Melissa and her lifelong partner George both serve as Heads of School. Melissa shared her thoughtful, practical wisdom and kindness with countless young students and fellow educators.

In retirement, Melissa was free to pursue her passions. A staunch supporter of the Democratic Party, Melissa campaigned for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and helped get people out to vote. She demonstrated for gun violence protections and marched for women in Washington, DC. Melissa was a proud American who once served on a federal trial as a juror. Through her church, Melissa supported Stephen Ministry and helped train others. She also provided important counsel and support through a program called Walking the Mourner's Path.

In 2021, Melissa and George moved to The Commons at Lincoln, MA. They brought with them their open hearts and willing spirits and were immediately welcomed. Melissa became known for her articulate common sense approach to communication. Melissa was a stellar listener. She had the unique ability to be fully present when she joined a conversation. Best of all, she was kind to everyone.

For the past 63 of her 82 years Melissa was a devoted wife and mother. In addition to her husband and two daughters, she leaves behind her grandchildren, Nate, Sam and Max Winneg, Ana Cavanaugh, Phoebe and Emma Bartlett, who will miss her cookies and hugs as well as her unconditional love and patient listening.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Melissa's life during a memorial service on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 2 pm in St. Anne's in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 147 Concord Road, Lincoln, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please support Stephen Ministry through a local church or care organization. Choose to live as Melissa lived with compassion and kindness.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.