Obituary: Melinda Joy Schoen, 61, Of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Melinda Joy Schoen, 61, beloved wife of David M. Schoen, of Wallingford, passed away on Friday, November 3, 2023 at Hartford Hospital. She was born in New Haven on July 3, 1962, the daughter of Joy Sperrazza and the late Joseph Sperrazza.

In addition to her husband and her mother, Melinda is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Victor and Claudia Sperrazza; her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Ryan Gawel; her step-daughters, Jessica Schoen and Maureen Krajeski; her cherished grandchildren, Bella Sperrazza, Joseph Sperrazza, Paul Sperrazza, Lee Gawel, Emily Gawel, Ryan Gawel, Cait Gawel, Griffin Krajeski, Natalie Dickerson and Sydney Dickerson; her brother, Bryan Sperrazza; her niece, Jennifer Sperrazza; and numerous extended family members and beloved friends. In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Maureen Joos; and her niece, Julie Sperrazza.

Melinda was passionate and truly loved her work as a Registered Nurse. She cared deeply about every patient, family, and colleague she met along the way. Melinda worked at Masonicare for 25 years as an LPN, RN, Vice President of Nursing and Vice President for Administration, Hospital and Longterm care Administrator.

For the last 8 years she was the Executive Director at Armsmear, The Trustees of the Colt Bequest Inc. She adored the women entrusted to her care and treated every woman with the utmost respect, as if they were her own mother.

Melinda was a member of the Wallingford Board of Health, Leeway and Wallingford Education Foundation as well as a recipient of the Nightingale Award and Spirit of Innovation & Culture Change Award from Leading Age Connecticut.

Although Melinda loved her work, her favorite role was that of mom and grandma. Melinda was made for motherhood. She made many sacrifices to give her children a life full of safety, love and joy. She treasured every moment she spent with her grandchildren. She always remembered everyone’s favorite meal/snack. She had a pantry and fridge full with anything her grandkids desired. She constantly spoiled them with love and hugs and was always ready to lend a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and advice.

Everyone who knew Melinda knew how much she loved her gardens, hummingbirds and reading. She spent countless hours in her garden planting flowers to attract her beloved hummingbirds. She took great joy in watching them flit from flower to flower. She loved a good book and you could find her lost in a story with a cup of tea.

Melinda will always be remembered for her kindness and care for others. We’ll always imagine hearing her say “hi honey, just calling to check on you” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better daughter, wife, mother and grandma. We will miss Melinda every day, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.