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Melissa Kuperminc Obituary

KUPERMINC, Melissa

Melissa Jill Jacobs Kuperminc passed away on February 13, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. She was born on May 13, 1965 in Atlantic City, NJ. Melissa graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1983, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Delaware in 1987, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in graphic design from Yale University in 1997. After successful stints as a reporter for the Fredericksburg, VA Free Lance Star, and a public relations professional at University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, she found her calling in teaching. She was a beloved and much admired graphic design instructor, first at Atlanta's Portfolio Center and more recently at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Melissa never did things halfway – she approached each personal and professional endeavor fully and passionately. Her commitment to equality and social justice shone through her teaching and activism, with a particular fervor for reproductive justice and gun control. She was a creator and a dreamer, always absorbed with knitting, embroidery, collage, gardening, planning the next trip, or reading books of all sorts. She felt most at home by the ocean, in nature, and cuddling with her beloved wire fox terriers, Edie and Gracie. Above all, she cherished her family, and took her greatest pride in motherhood. She is survived by her husband, Gabriel; her daughter, Mia; her parents, Jerrold and Carol; her sister, Marlene (Noah); and brother, Michael (Susan); along with their families. Melissa will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. Her spirit of generosity and love will continue to inspire those who knew her. She is deeply missed. Arrangements by Dressler's Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Feb. 25, 2024.

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Michael J. Moorehead

April 16, 2024

I am very saddened to hear of Melissa's passing. We were close friends when we both attended the University of Delaware. I will forever remember her smile, infectious laugh and love of music and the ocean. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family, especially Gabe and Mia.

Dianna Edwards

March 11, 2024

I´ve just read the news of Melissa´s passing and I´m devastated. We were colleagues at the Portfolio Center in Atlanta and moved in the same circle of friends. Ah, lord she was special. Beautiful -truly so -and smart and such a thinker and an artist in every way. We loved her, I loved her, and she loved her life. Gave and Mia, I am so very sorry. I feel this loss tremendously.

Sarah Cook

February 26, 2024

In 1999, Melissa brought to life her "Clear Thinking 2000" campaign, complete with business cards, with great hope for the future. Kevin and I have used the phrase many time, always laughing, delighting in Melissa's creativity and humor. I don't know that we got any closer to clear thinking, but the campaign kept us laughing at life's absurdities. ! Thank you, Melissa. Gabe, Mia, you are always near to us, especially at LaFonda...

John B. Pugh, MD

February 25, 2024

Gabriel,
I was so shocked to see Melissa's obituary today. It was such a privilege to know Melissa and be involved in her care during her pregnancy with Mia. I will never think of Melissa without remembering her radiant smile, lilting voice, and marvelous sense of humor. Also her perseverance and grace during not the most simple of pregnancy experiences is something I always admired about her. Also who could forget the great pup smuggling caper when you brought her beloved Edie to comfort her when she was stuck on the antepartum ward for so long? Our approach of asking forgiveness rather than permission to get the ball rolling planted the seed at Piedmont for a successful pet visitation program which has comforted so many. My thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength are with you and Mia as well as all who loved Melissa. I shall never forget her.
John B. Pugh, MD

Julia Grama

February 25, 2024

Ahhh...Sweet Melissa. I was so fortunate to have Melissa, Gabe and Mia as my neighbors for 13 years. Melissa´s positive energy and passion for life was so infectious. It would always put a smile on my face when I could hear Melissa come home and greet her sweet doggie, Edie, and later Gracie. Her voice was filled with pure excitement and love...every single time. It makes me giggle even now, because I can very clearly hear her joyous voice.

She loved gardening, and we often stood out in the middle of the street trading our latest flowering triumphs, tricks and tips.

I am heartbroken for Gabe, Mia and all of her family and friends. It just feels too soon for her to leave, but her time here was so impactful. She definitely left a positive imprint on my life, and will dearly miss her. May she rest in peace, and may Gabe and Mia find comfort in her beautiful memory.

Bill Adams

February 23, 2024

Melissa and I went to school together. My thoughts and prayers for her family and friends. May she Rest In Peace.

Marylou Reiff

February 23, 2024

Saddened to hear of Melissa's passing..I was her teacher at ACHS..as well as Michael's and Marlene's..My condolences to her family..

Leslie Bayer MacPherson

February 23, 2024

This is such sad news. May her memory be a blessing to her family.

Kathie Perry Coyne

February 23, 2024

My sympathies and prayers are with you all. I went to high school with Melissa. I can still see her smile and hear her warm reassuring voice. May she rest easy.

Jill Greenwood Axelrod

February 23, 2024

I went all through school with Melissa. I remember her as always smiling and having such a good heart. Sending my deepest sympathy to her family

Corine Connors

February 21, 2024

I was a student of Professor Kuperminc. As an older student, we spoke more closely as peers, often signing on to class a few minutes early to chat. I am graduating soon and was planning to write Professor Kuperminc an email describing my gratitude for her teachings-a few things she taught me have stuck with me every time I have tackled a new project. I deeply regret waiting to send that email. She taught me to never slack on details. She said, "if you can see it, I can see it, so fix it." I used that tip to never brush off the smallest details. The second thing is something she said when we were discussing poster design. She said "good design makes you want to cross the street." I have kept that in the back of my head with every new project. Would I cross the street to look at this closer? If the answer is no, push further. Thank you to Melissa for your kindness, wisdom, and warmth. Thank you for guiding me and being the voice in the back of my mind. To her family and close friends, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Phyllis Niolon

February 19, 2024

Melissa had such an infectious laugh, and she laughed often and brought laughter to others easily. I loved how much she loved and was thoroughly entertained by her dog Edie. I remember listening to and helping with Gabe´s and her plot to sneak Edie in to the hospital for a visit when she was on bed rest before Mia´s arrival-and hearing what a joyful and uplifting visit it was for both Melissa and Edie. She was such a light, and I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

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Funeral services provided by:

Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care

3734 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. P.O. Box 80647, Atlanta, GA 30341

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