Melinda died on May 9, 2001.  She was survived by her parents and sister Meribeth Nordloef-Peterson.  Melinda was known for her feline rescue work.  The site www.felinerescue.org site wrote shortly after her death that Melinda was "known for her love of books & animals & her kind generosity."  She also did braille transcription work and in 1997, was one of 91 persons to be awarded a certificate in braille transcription.  Melinda is missed by her parents, sisters, relatives, friends (for her care, Dana Habeck),  and her cat, Cecil.