Melissa Ann Hemingway

With grace and love, Melissa Ann Hemingway began her 'eternal journey' on February 4, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She was born September 4,1957 at New York Presbyterian in New York, NY. She attended Sts. John and Paul Elementary School then attended Mamaroneck High School graduating in 1976.

After high school, Melissa studied piano for three years with Mrs. Masterson, who was affiliated with the Philharmonic. She then studied for two years at the Conservatory of Music in White Plains, NY. Then for three years, she was involved in competitive dance.

Melissa enjoyed composing her own music whether it was classical jazz, blues, Celtic or rock. She also enjoyed writing stories as a hobby.

At 18 she contracted Lyme Disease and became a huge advocate for others who suffered from the disease. She was asked by Lyme doctors to help Lyme patients deal with their mental health, proper nutrition, medical support, and coping with the debilitating effects of the disease.

Melissa spent the first 40 years of her life in New York, followed by 18 years in Greenwich, Connecticut, six years in North Carolina, and her final three years in St. Albans, Vermont, where she lived comfortably with faithful feline, Meka.

Melissa is predeceased by her mother Muriel Hemingway, father Richard Hemingway, her dear sister Gay Hemingway, and nephew Luke Hemingway-Duffy.

Melissa held a deep love for those she grew up with, carrying them in her heart from state to state, especially Mary Kay Irwin Chandler and Jeff Moran. Dedicated friends throughout the years Rina Choiniere, John Beck and Paul Parker, Charlotte Wood, Wendy, Barbara Locricchio.

Melissa loved her sister Diane 'Ernie' Hemingway and held a close bond with her two nieces Whitney Hemingway-Duffy and Kaitlyn Shumway, as well as Whitney's daughter Aria, and Kaitlyn's children Zion and Zakaia, her nephew Ben and many other nephews and their families.

Though Melissa lived in Vermont for only three years, she formed meaningful friendships wherever she went - especially with the baristas at the Traveled Cup - Allison, Kaitlyn and Anna; the staff, especially Lonnie and Chris at Food City; Nichole at Maplefield's; Angie at Tim's restaurant; "Frenchie" (Jess) at Dollar Tree. She was especially grateful for the care and kindness of the Bayada team: Tracy Pilbin, Michelle Pelky, Sadie, Bridget and Lindsey.

A small reception of friends and family will be held at The Traveled Cup, 94 North Main Street, St. Albans on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

Honored to be serving the family of Melissa Hemingway is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.