Janel Thompson Melgaard

Janel Thompson Melgaard passed away peacefully December 17, 2025 at home in Bluemont, VA with husband Tom at her side. Janel was born May 16, 1947 to Frank and Dorothy Thompson in Upland, CA. She grew up in Escondido, CA and attended UCLA.

Janel married Thomas L. Melgaard on December 5, 1970 and they initially lived in Manhattan Beach, CA. Janel worked 26 years for United Airlines starting in Los Angeles, then Reno, Nevada and finally at Dulles Airport in Northern Virginia. After her United career, Janel spent four years working for FEMA, then 22 years as an administrative assistant in Loudoun County.

In her spare time, Janel was an avid gardener and enjoyed volunteering at the State Arboretum in Boyce, VA. She loved and cared for 4 Schnauzers and 8 cats, and was very involved in cat rescue and rehab efforts. Janel also enjoyed golf and was affectionately known as "Madam 4 iron."

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Tom, her sister Francie and her husband Jeff, nephew Jeff and his wife Christy and their sons Robbie and Max, nephew Greg and his wife Stephanie and their children Harper and Austin. Janel will be sorely missed by her husband Tom, her family and all who knew and loved her.

Hall Funeral Home in Purcellville, VA is handling arrangements and a forthcoming memorial service. Please contact them 540-338-5561 or www.hallfh.com for information. In lieu of flowers, donations to Loudoun Community Cat Coalition, PO Box 1960 Leesburg, VA 20177 are most welcome. Janel Thompson Melgaard