Melissa Goldsmith

Melissa Goldsmith passed away on Tuesday September 10, 2024 in Grants Pass Oregon at Magnolia Hospice House and is now with her Lord. She was 70 years old. She is now at peace and without pain from her battle with cancer. Her brother Todd, one of her caregivers and a nurse were by her side comforting her transition. Her caregiver even brought her cat Shanti to be with Melissa on that day. So wonderful for Melissa to have had a cat comforting her as well! She was such an animal lover and especially cats.

Melissa was born on April 8, 1954 in Ann Arbor Michigan. The Goldsmith family moved to Bend in 1958 and Melissa was a loyal Oregonian ever forevermore. In her youth she hiked many Oregon trails, backpacked and downhill skied with family and friends and rode her horse, Ginger. Melissa traveled with her Mom all over the West to see and hike many wonders – including the Grand Canyon. When Melissa moved to Grants Pass, she was part of a “friend group” of women that had wonderful adventures and get-togethers. Even white water rafting the Rouge River! And they did place Melissa perfectly in the boat for some exciting water dousings!

Melissa graduated from Bend High School in 1973 and pursued her first College degree in Education from Western Oregon University in Monmouth Oregon. After a few years teaching, Melissa returned to College for a Nursing degree from COCC in Bend (Central Oregon Community College). She was well suited for the nursing profession. She was a delight to her patients and a wealth of knowledge to her co-workers. Melissa had such a great and vast memory – envied by most who knew her! Especially when playing “Scrabble”. She always won!

Melissa first worked as a nurse at the Redmond Oregon District Hospital. She moved to Medford a few years later and worked at the Rogue Hospital until 2002. She then moved to Grants Pass and was employed at the Surgery Center until retiring in 2013. Melissa filled her homes with books, puzzles, art work and cats. She was a responsible cat owner – with only 3 cats max: Taz, Zach and BB (Big Boy). Only BB survives Melissa and is now living the good life with Todd & Diane on their farm on Lopez Island. Books were her passion! Melissa would be found reading at least three books at a time. When asked how she could read three together and not get them mixed up, she said it was easy for her unless reading the same author for two of them! Her main furniture was lots and lots of bookcases. She kept all the books she had read – which was many!

Melissa will be missed by so many. She was proceeded in death of her father Dr. Neal A. Goldsmith and Mother Gertrude F. Goldsmith. She is survived by her siblings, Kathy (Don Parker), Laurie, and Todd (Diane Dear) and her niece Caitlin (Matt Taylor) and great-niece, Kennedy Taylor along with her beloved cat, BB (Big Boy). The family is very thankful for the care and compassion given to Melissa by her friends, the staff of Home Instead, and the staff at Magnolia Hospice House. There will be a Memorial Tribute to Melissa in Grants Pass in November. The family asks that in lieu of flowers to please send a donation in Melissa's memory to your local animal shelter, that would make Melissa very happy that you did.