Melinda Perino Bebb

On June 6th, 2024, at 67 years young, Melinda Perino Bebb gained her set of angel wings. 

She was an effortless beauty, a proud Italian daughter to a gourmet chef…a lover of sparkles, fur boots, and Snoopy. 

Born to parents John and Lucy Perino in San Jose, CA, Melinda attended Pioneer High School, Class of 1974. She became a letter girl in her sophomore year, beginning her lifelong role as everyone’s #1 cheerleader. In her 20s, she fell in love with the mountains and spent 6 years living her dream of becoming a ski bunny in snowy Truckee, CA. Always a creative spirit, she opened Perino Marketing & Design and provided services to numerous local businesses, including host of the 1960 Winter Olympics and world famous ski resort, Squaw Valley. Her talents eventually led her to the world of real estate, where she co-founded a successful appraisal company…but like father like daughter, her true passion was always in the kitchen.

In 1990, Melinda gave birth to her first child, son Peter and in 1995 welcomed her daughter Vanessa. In those years, she also brought life to her first cookbook, The Fat Free Gourmet - a collection of delectable Italian inspired recipes to support a low fat diet. This cookbook was her kitchen's bible and would become her life’s work as she shared her recipes online with thousands in the decades until her passing. 

When Melinda moved to Palm Springs, CA in 2009, she met her husband and love of her life, Frank Bebb. A retired Marine and Idaho native, their love story led her back to the mountains she loved once again. They were married at their home in Rathdrum, Idaho in 2011 where they lived happily together for 13 years. 

Although her talents and accomplishments were abundant, they were staunchly overshadowed by who she was, the love she shared so fully, and the beauty she created in everyday moments. Melinda was a crafter of words and ingredients, creator of traditions, and believer in magic. She spent her days perfecting recipes, practicing her exceptional skill for interior design, and attempting to satisfy her unquenchable thirst for knowledge. To be loved by her was to be changed and inspired by her in the very best ways. She was resilient, “a fighter”, as her friends affectionately called her - a title more than earned after overcoming quadruple bypass surgery and defeating breast cancer. Her strength was only matched by her softness that radiated a warmth and attracted all around her. 

She lives on in her recipes, in the magic she left behind, and in the love she instilled in her family forever. Survived by husband Frank, son Peter, daughter Vanessa, half-sister Sherry, and fur babies Gunner & Sandi. 

In honor of her 68th birthday, a Celebration of Life will be held on September 8th, 2024 at her home in Rathdrum, ID.