Melissa Jane Dopp
Aug 25, 1963 – Aug 27, 2014
Melissa J. Dopp, age 51, Montpelier, VA, raised in Manlius, NY, passed away on August 27, 2014 due to complications from surgery. Melissa lived her life joyously and passionately and will be dearly missed. Melissa was predeceased by her mother, Nancy Gladden Dopp, grandparents and other beloved family members. She is survived by her partner, Pattie Bland of Montpelier, VA; father, James M. (Vicki) of West Point, VA; sister, Elizabeth of Rochester, NY; brother, James Jeffrey (Alecia) of Midlothian, VA; aunt, Sally Gladden of Woodridge, NY; uncle, William H. Dudley of Scotia, NY; cousins, Paul, Andrew and Phillip Dudley, Christine Dopp and David Luczyski; Pattie’s family, Sarah, Chuck and Katie Trollinger; many dear friends, far and wide. A celebration of Melissa’s life will be held in the gardens at 14687 Scotchtown Road, Montpelier, VA on Saturday, October 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. Contributions in her memory may be made to vbcf.org, a favorite charity.
This world needs more people like Missy – her passion and zest made every encounter an adventure. I feel like a light in my life has been extinguished, far, far, too soon. Love to her family and other friends.
Although I did not know Melissa well, I know she was truly loved and treasured by my co-worker Pattie. My deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to Pattie and to all of those who had the opportunity to know Melissa. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sad to read this. Missy was a great friend in our high school years. We may” have gotten into some trouble in those days. She was always fun to be with. My condolences go out to her family.”
Oh Missy Dopp, this is just not right! Your spirit and smile will remain in our hearts always.
Sometimes you have family that is family….BUT sometimes you have family that are truly a guiding light, the kind of love , the depth of soul that forms and shapes lives around them … the kind of passion , caring, and support someone Like you gave here … well it will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! Nor will you ever truly be gone, you live in my heart and soul, you live on in the next generation too for there is a great ripple left behind from your heart Melissa and it will never stop! Much Love I send to heaven from Myself and from Kirstin and Milanna too! we miss you too much for words to say! See you later cousin, this is not a goodbye!
I never met Melissa in person but felt like I knew her due to our online conversations and shared interests. She was fiercely intelligent, witty, concerned about the world around her, and most of all, compassionate. Taken away far too soon. She will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathies to her family and friends and to all those whose lives she touched.
Sally, Jim and all — Morgan and I extend our deepest sympathy. I remember the joyous day Missy was born — heck, I remember when Nancy learned she was EXPECTING Missy. The years have gone by too swiftly and she died way, way too young. Such a shock. We pray the love of family and friends will sustain you. Stay strong. Hugs.
I have such fond memories of playong soccer with Missy. She was a true friend, kind, and genuine. I wish the best to her family and friends during yhis tough time. RIP, Missy, and keep smiling as always!
Pattie, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Condolences on your loss Pattie!
I am so saddened and in shock at the passing of Melissa. I have known Melissa since our very first day at I.C. She had such a wit and love for life. My sympathies to Pattie, Liz, James, and Mr. Dopp.
My thoughts and sympathy are with you, Pattie, Liz, and your families. Missy Dopp was one in a million – no, a trillion at least. What I remember best is her wonderful resonant laugh.
Mourning the loss of a very special friend and person. You will be greatly missed by myself and everyone that knew you. Condolences to Pattie, Liz, and their families.
Melissa ~ She was one person that could lift your spirits, help you find your footing, and make sure you felt included. Always looking out for her friends and finding the times when laughter was the best medicine. I will miss her, her writing and her pictures documenting her journey here on the earth. I am sure she has a camera and a pen with her to document her next chapter. For I believe there are other chapters for all of us. With fondness and deep sadness for all the people of this world who loved her and will miss her.
Oh Missy, I look forward to seeing you again. Until then, please know that you were one of my favorite people in this life – as both children and adults-we had such fun! I will miss you so. To Pattie and the rest of the family, I offer my most heartfelt condolences – please take good care of yourselves.
Although I did not know Melissa well, her generosity of spirit and her willingness to spend time getting to know her VCU colleagues and help them with their problems was legendary in our offices (the STS@VCU Program) — and very much appreciated. We will miss her — and send our deepest sympathy to her partner and her family during this difficult time.
Although I never met Melissa, she volunteered her time and energy to my family in a very meaningful way. I am grateful for her committment. My condolences to her friends and family.
Liz…OMG..I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts & prayers…
Pattie, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you as I keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
This has been a hard loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Patty and all those who loved Melissa. May your good memories of her live in your hearts.
Liz,Our deepest condolences to you, Pattie and your families. We send you thoughts of peace and courage to help you through this outrageous loss. Missy will remain in our thoughts.
We were saddened to hear of the loss of your daughter and sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jim, Liz and Jeff.
I feel blessed to have known Melissa from Madison, WI. Each time we re-connected over the years, we would laugh until it hurt. She was a brilliant woman who had a great sense of humor and the kindest spirit. I will miss her and being able to re-connect and hear about her life. I have the most amazing memory of Melissa and I acting like Lucy and Ethel when a bat flew into my apartment. Even though it happened over 20 years ago, it still makes me laugh until I cry. My condolences to her family, friends and especially to Pattie.
Pattie, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.