Obituary of Rose Mary Melcher

Rose Mary “Sue” Melcher, 94, beloved wife of the late Ernest H. Melcher, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 19th at Brooksby Village in Peabody. Born in Roseburg, Oregon, she is the daughter of the late Benjamin and Helen (Corl) Irving. Sue grew up in Roseburg, Oregon and was educated there. During WWII, she worked as a civil employee of the Army Air Corps at the Great Falls, Montana Army Base. Rose was a riveter and maintained Lend Lease air planes that were transferred to the Russian air force. It was at the base where she met her husband Ernest, a Staff Sargent. Following the war, they moved to Tarrytown, New York where they raised their son, John. Sue worked as a dental assistant for many years and was active at the First Baptist Church of Tarrytown. Sue had a talent for singing and sung in a trio at the church. Upon retirement, Sue and Ernest moved to Essex to be closer to their son and grandchildren. There, she became an active member of the First Baptist Church in Rowley. Sue enjoyed crewel stitching, crocheting quilts, reading and doing crossword puzzles. Her greatest love was her family. Sue was able to be a part of her four great grandchildren’s lives. She will truly be missed by her loving family. She is survived by her son: John Melcher and his wife Carol of Rowley, two grandchildren: Kate Flaws and her husband Tom of Lynnfield and Jack Melcher and his wife Abi Vladeck of East Boston; four great grandchildren: Maura and Sophie Flaws and Rebecca and Marty Melcher; along with many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her siblings: Benjamin, Raymond and Ralph Irving and Catherine Farrell and Frances Hubbard. Funeral services will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made in Sue’s Memory to The First Baptist Church, 147 Main Street, Rowley, MA 01969.