Melinda C. Rios

STOUGHTON----Melinda C. Rios passed away peacefully on November 5, 2020 after a long and bravely fought battle with systemic sclerosis. She was 47 years old. Melinda was born on October 30, 1973 in the Bronx, NY to Miriam Martinez and Cesar Rios. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. In 2010 she received a B.A in Architecture from Wellesley College, where she was a Davis Scholar. At Wellesley Melinda excelled academically, earning the respect of her professors, mentors, and classmates. She was a cheerful and welcoming advisor to other Davis Scholars, sharing her experiences with managing coursework, and achieving a sustainable work-life balance. Melinda felt that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, with the help of a supportive community. She embodied that sentiment. After graduation Melinda worked in the Development Office at Wellesley. She then became Administrative Assistant for Advancement at Stonehill College, where, despite serious health issues, she was enrolled in a Master's Degree program in Integrated Marketing Communication. In 2018, she won the Ethics Essay contest sponsored by The Public Relations Society of America. Melinda faced every challenge with courage and optimism. With her partner Paul and their daughter Victoria, she enjoyed an active and engaged family life, traveling to Disneyworld and other destinations, attending Broadway plays and local theater offerings (often starring her daughter). When she required a medicine-dispensing intravenous port, she bundled the exterior part of the device into a small fashionable handbag and soldiered on. She was an inspiration and a bright example of faith, perseverance, and love. Melinda leaves her partner Paul, their daughter Victoria, her parents, her brother Cesar Rios, her nephew Brandon Rios, her extended family, and a large network of friends. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours requiring mask & social distancing on Thursday, November 12,2020 from 5- 8 p.m., at Kane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 605 Washington Street (Rte.138), Easton. A funeral Mass requiring mask & social distancing will be held on Friday November 13, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Mary, Stonehill College, Easton.