Melinda Marcus Vooss '87
It is with a heavy heart that I share Melinda Marcus Vooss ’87 passed away early Sunday, Oct. 23, surrounded by her family following a battle with cancer. Melinda wore several hats as part of our community—she was an active alumna of the Class of 1987, mother to Zoey ’16 and Maxwell ’19, and beloved lower school art teacher from 2009 to 2020.
Melinda poured her heart into showing our youngest learners the importance of art during her time at Collegiate. Her passion for art was passed along to her students during her beloved Backyard Art camps and classes and inspired many artists during her tenure at Collegiate.
“In her time at the lower school, Melinda put great energy and pride into organizing the popular Sundae Fun Day, leading the lower school Forensics Team, and especially adorning the hallways with vibrant pieces of student artwork created under her careful guidance,” said her friend and co-worker Dr. Catherine Thomson ’94. “Her smile was contagious and will be dearly missed.”
Following her retirement from Collegiate in 2020, Melinda worked briefly at Chesapeake Bay Academy as an art teacher. She also opened a Board and Brush studio franchise in Ghent with her husband, Scott. There Melinda spent her next chapter sharing her love of art with the community.
Melinda is survived by her husband, Scott, their children, Zoey and Max, sisters Randi ’82 (Brad), and Lori ’84, sister-in-law Tami (Chuck), nieces and nephews Carli, Ryan, Zachary ’12, Rachel ’15, Ethan, Joshua, Elodie and Violet.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby St., Norfolk. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to an art education scholarship fund established in Melinda’s honor. Her wish was to support the advancement of the arts across our community as well as provide scholarships to students pursuing art education degrees.
Please keep Melinda’s family in your thoughts and prayers during the very difficult days ahead.
