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University of Michigan University of Minnesota

Melissa Goldstein Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24, 2013.

GOLDSTEIN, MELISSA ROSELLE Ann Arbor, MI
Passed on November 8, 2013. Melissa was born and raised in New Hartford / Utica, NY and moved to Minnesota with her brother at the age of 14. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1987 with a degrees in Communications and Criminology. Melissa worked for Fortune 500 company Deluxe Check in customer service and care, served for two years as the company's nation-wide United Way coordinator. She returned to school and earned her Law Degree from the Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, MI. She practiced law in Florida's Probate Court for a year and moved back to Michigan where she continued with her private law practice. Melissa served as attorney for those in court against their will and also worked on behalf of many young children. She completed 12 years at the University of Michigan as Housing's Off Campus Housing Adviser, providing services and resources for U of M students unable to live on campus. Melissa provided student and landlord mediation services, helped students to understand leases and their legal rights. In addition to her busy private law practice and Housing Advisor duties, Melissa found time to teach at the Washtenaw Community College and Cleary College. When Melissa was physically able; she enjoyed walking, exercising, reading and cooking. Survivors: Mother, Peggy Ann Goldstein; and brother, Randy Avrom Goldstein of N.Y. Preceded in death by: Father, Ira Ives Goldstein of N.Y. and uncle, Dr. Richard Alper of Minnesota. Service information: A service will be held on December 2, 2013, 11:30 AM at Temple Beth Emeth located 2309 Packard Rd. Ann Arbor, MI. Rabbi Robert Levi will be presiding over the service. A reception will follow immediately after the service. Place of burial: Melissa's cremains will eventually be placed into a family's grave site located in New Hartford, NY. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Michigan Chapter in memory of Melissa Goldstein, 21311 Civic Center Southfield, MI. 48076. 1-248-936-0355. A special thanks goes out to Melissa's extended family; her care giver Shelly DeNeve, her Aunt Gretchen of Minnesota and to Melissa's colleagues at the Housing Information Office at the University of Michigan, THANK YOU!

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Recent Activity

July 27, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

June 19, 2014

Sheri Adams posted to the memorial.

January 15, 2014

Kim (Richards) Sacay posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

July 27, 2014

I only learned of Melissa's passing this week. I am greatly saddened.

I met Melissa through her work with the probate court defending individuals in guardianship and civil commitment proceedings. She was excellent in her work.

She is one of the most caring, pure and good-spirited individuals I have ever known, professionally or otherwise.

I shall never forget her smile ....

Brad Geller

Sheri Adams

June 19, 2014

I am her cousin saddened at her lost & that she didn't reach out to family for help . I'm sorry I couldn't have done something to alleviate her suffering .

Kim (Richards) Sacay

January 15, 2014

Rest in Peace, Missy. May your giving spirit remain in the hearts of many.

Susan Butterwick

December 20, 2013

I first met Melissa when she worked at the Dispute Resolution Center in Ann Arbor on the staff and as a mediator. She joined my Minnesota in-laws and my family for a U-M, U-Minnesota hockey game one time because she was remained a Minnesota fan. Although I saw her infrequently over the last several years, whenever I ran into her, she would ask about our son and our Minnesota family and sincerely wanted to know how everyone was doing. She always had a bright smile and cared deeply as a lawyer about vulnerable people who couldn't advocate for themselves. She will be missed by me and many others.

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Connie Jones

December 7, 2013

I practiced as an attorney for many years with Melissa, primarily in the Probate Court here in Washtenaw County. She was a tireless advocate for her clients, sometimes even to the point that we became frustrated with one another. But, she never advocated with anger or unfairness, and somehow she always managed to remain upbeat and pleasant to be around….admirable qualities all. I admit that I did not know much about her personally, and now I wish I had. She will be missed and my most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends for their loss. May she rest in peace.
Connie Jones

Douglas White

December 1, 2013

I was the chair of the Housing Information Office selection committee that hired Melissa, and I served as her supervisor for a number of years before I retired. She was a person of impeccable integrity and served her student clients with diligence and compassion . She always took the time to inquire about the well-being of me and my family. She also always took a genuine interest in what I was feeling, thinking and doing. She strove to excel, and minimized the impact of any health-related difficulties that she had. She leaves many good ripples in the lives of others which will quietly live on and spread in unknown, but surely beneficial, ways.

David Constant

November 27, 2013

Melissa,

I had the privilege of working with you when I was just getting my start at the University of Michigan. Having you as a boss and working with you made me better on a professional and personal level. Before working with you I did not know what to do, but you pushed me to be a better employee and to continue my education. Currently I am working through my MBA and I credit you with giving me the drive. Thank you for being such a big part of my life and one of the best bosses I have ever had. You will be missed.

Theresa Ramirez

November 26, 2013

You were an inspiration to many and you touched many lives. May you rest in peace.

Christine Wylie

November 26, 2013

I am sadened to hear of the loss of Melissa. I will miss her smile, friendship and all of our "chats" in the Student Activities Building. Her courage and determination was inspirational to everyone she met. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. She will be missed dearly.

Stephanie Browne

November 26, 2013

Melissa was a wonderful neighbor. She was my son's first employer when he was 11 yrs old. He shoveled her snow. May she rest in peace.

Stephanie Browne

Carol Williams

November 25, 2013

My prayers go out to the family, I did not work with her, in her department, but we worked in the same building. Melissa was awesome, she was telling me of a love story from the Victorian days that she was reading, I can not recall the books name, but she was in love with the story.

I will miss her every day that she is not here, her smiling eyes will truly be missed by me.

Darlene A. O'Brien

November 24, 2013

As a judge hearing the Washtenaw County Mental health docket, I had the pleasure of having Melissa Goldstein appear in my courtroom representing numerous individuals being petitioned for treatment. Melissa had compassion for her clients and vigorously defended their rights. Her courage and determination in facing her physical challenges was indeed admirable. I regret that I will not be able to attend her memorial to personally express my sympathy and appreciation for her services.

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