Melinda was born in 1954 in Whittier, California to Richard and Nora Dodge, and was the spunky younger sister to her adoring older sister Maria. She enjoyed a 25-year career as a paralegal for multiple large firms in Orange County and Los Angeles, bringing her love of research and organization to countless legal cases over her career.
She loved cats, Rams football, fashion, jazz and zydeco, good home décor, classic movies, the holidays, great museums, dancing and parties, and most of all her beloved family and friends. She was a particularly doting aunt and great-aunt. She will be remembered fondly for her sharp wit, tenacity, faith, and perseverance.
Mel was preceded in death by her mother and father, Richard and Nora Dodge, and is survived by her sister, Maria Goulding (husband Jim Goulding), and her nieces Emily Goulding and Megan Goulding and their respective families.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11:00am at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Fullerton with a reception to follow.
