Melinda Goss

Dear Laurentian Community,

I am writing to share the sad news that Melinda Goss, a former assistant manager of the Brewer Bookstore, died on March 31 at age 79.

Melinda joined the St. Lawrence community in the early 2000s after moving to Ogdensburg from Virginia, and she served in the Brewer Bookstore until her retirement in 2013. Known for her wide-ranging knowledge and thoughtful recommendations, she brought a genuine passion for books to her work and was a helpful, collegial presence to both staff and customers.

Born in Philadelphia in 1945, Melinda grew up in many places, following the Navy assignments of her father, a high-ranking officer. She attended St. Agnes Episcopal School in Virginia and was a 1967 graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges where she majored in Classics and Education. Her love of learning remained with her throughout her life—later in retirement, she even returned to reading Latin, including Ovid’s Metamorphoses in the original.

Melinda brought a similarly wide range of experience to her work life, having worked in bookstores, florist shops, toy shops, and as a tutor. She was also known as a gracious host and an excellent cook, remembered especially for holiday meals shared with friends and family.

Her move to the North Country was motivated by her and her late husband Fred Goss’s deep commitment to their daughter, Meredith (“Merry”). Together, they advocated for Merry’s care and independence, relocating to New York so she could benefit from the state’s resources for individuals with disabilities. Melinda remained a tireless advocate throughout her life and became involved with the League of Women Voters, first in Alexandria, Virginia, and later in St. Lawrence County, where she served as treasurer.

Melinda was predeceased by her husband of more than 50 years, Fred, in 2023. She is survived by their daughter, Merry, of Morristown, New York.

Please join us in celebrating Melinda’s life by sharing your memories of her on the St. Lawrence University website. You can read the remembrances of others here.

Sincerely,

Kate Morris