Melinda Dell Fitting

Melinda Dell Fitting, PhD

February 23, 1948 - February 6, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Melinda Dell Fitting, PhD, on February 6, 2025, at the age of 76. Melinda was born on February 23, 1948, in Los Angeles, California to the late Jack and Ruth Fitting.

Melinda's personal, educational, and professional journey was defined by a passion for helping others. She earned a master's degree in physical therapy from Stanford University, specializing in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. Her dedication to patient care eventually led her to pursue a PhD in psychology from the University of Denver, allowing her to expand her impact on those in need of mental health support. She continued her education with postdoctoral studies in geriatric psychology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she later served as an assistant professor.

Melinda spent her early years in Oregon, where she developed her love of the outdoors and sports. When she was 8 years old, her family moved to Marin County in the Bay Area, where she finished high school and participated in many political activities during the turbulent times of the 60's. During her college years in California, attending different schools, she lived with her twin sister, Cynthia, in a house adjacent to San Quentin prison. The sisters were excellent cooks and there are many stories of the dinner parties they gave which became a tradition Melinda maintained throughout her life.

In 1985, Melinda married Dr. James Eastham, whom she met while they were both students at Johns Hopkins. Together, they shared 40 years of love, family, and adventure. They enjoyed traveling the world, often with friends and family, and cherished their time raising their daughter, Katherine Della Eastham. Melinda was also a devoted stepmother to Bradley Charles Eastham and James (Jimmie) Eastham. She enjoyed a close and warm relationship with Bradley's wife Paula. Melinda was a self-appointed Godmother to Kathleen Williams, who was like a second daughter for more than 40 years. One of her greatest joys was being a step-grandmother to Erica, Lila, and Logan Eastham. "Nana Dell", as she was called, loved watching them grow and took immense pride in their sports and educational activities, attending as many events as she could.

Melinda was always active in sports and outdoor activities. As a youngster, she played sandlot baseball with the boys in the neighborhood; during college years she worked one summer as a rafting guide on the Snake River in Idaho. During her year of undergraduate study in England she played Net Ball, a form of Basketball, with the college team. She was an excellent racquetball player. Melinda had a deep passion for reading, hiking, and nature walks that brought her immense joy and fulfillment.

In 1987, Melinda founded Comprehensive Geriatric Services, a company that provided mental health care in over two hundred nursing homes across Maryland. She also had a long and impactful career in private practice, specializing in geriatrics and women's mental health needs. In addition, she was a member of the Maryland Psychological Association and served on the Ethics Board.

Beyond her professional and family life, Melinda was deeply committed to serving her community. She was a Board of Directors member and secretary of the Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation, an organization dedicated to providing housing and support to low-income and homeless individuals in Baltimore. She was an active supporter of The Odyssey School where her daughter Katherine attended elementary school.

She is survived by her loving husband, James Eastham, her daughter, Katherine, her stepchildren, Bradley and Jimmie, her step-grandchildren, Erica, Lila, and Logan, and her twin sister, Cynthia. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jeffrey.

A memorial service to honor Melinda's life and legacy will be held on Saturday, March 15, at 11:00 AM at The Odyssey School in Lutherville, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO.org); or The Odyssey School. (theodysseyschool.org)