Mary L. Melvin, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend to many, died on July 22, 2025, at the age of 86. Her long life was filled with many blessings and joys, including her four children, Mary E. Melvin, Melissa A. Melvin, Ann F. Melvin, and William A. Melvin, as well as her three grandchildren, Taylor C. Willis, Mary Frances Weinstein, Daniel J. Melvin, and her great-grandson, Markus W. Costa.

Mary was born in Tulsa, OK, to P.C. & Frances F. Lauinger and raised in a family of 7 children. As a devout Catholic family, Mary’s upbringing established her values of faith, family, and community. Mary attended Manhattanville College, where she graduated in 1961. She married William O. Melvin, Jr. of Irvington, NY in 1962 and went on to have 4 children. Mary would spend over 60 years of her life in the Village of Irvington, where in 2021, she was honored by the Irvington Historical Society for her dedication and contributions to the heritage of Irvington and took part in the Irvington Historical Society Legacy Project. The film is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s1iEgEyDVs.

While raising her 4 children, Mary found time for her numerous passions. She spent many dedicated years in real estate helping Rivertown families. She was a member of the Irvington Garden Club for over four decades and was a passionate member of The Thursday Club, also serving at times as their president. Her philanthropic ventures were one of her greatest passions, including all of Irvington’s first responders, catholic charities, medical research, and local families in need, among many others.

Her charitable generosity was most evident in her support of Phelps Memorial Hospital, where she was duly honored for her support of their lifesaving technologies. All of Mary’s 4 children and one of her grandchildren were born at Phelps, and it is also where Mary passed away. Her family would like to thank all of their extremely dedicated staff of doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and administrators who offered her such wonderful care later in life. The love and support you gave Mary is truly appreciated by her family. We would also like to thank her aide and companion, Dawn Daley, for her love and care of our mother in the last years of her life. You and your dedication to her well-being will always be cherished.

Above all else, Mary loved spending time with her family and friends. During her child-rearing years, Mary played a second mother to many children, often found gathered around the kitchen table for food, fun, and laughter. Her love for cards, board games, and word puzzles kept everyone entertained, but none more than herself. More than anything, Gams was most content spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandson either beside the Hudson, in Newport, CA, or on Martha’s Vineyard, where she resided in the summer.

Mary is survived by her sister, Frances L. Biolchini of Kelly, WY; her brothers Philip C. Lauinger, Jr. of Dallas, TX; Frank T. Lauinger of Dallas, TX; and Anthony J. Lauinger of Tulsa, OK. Mary is preceded in death by her father, P. C. Lauinger, mother Frances F. Lauinger, sister Helen B. Lauinger, brother Joseph M. Lauinger, all of Tulsa, OK, and by her daughter, Mary Eileen Melvin.