Linda Sue (Baumgartner) Melsa

Linda Sue (Baumgartner) Melsa, age 60, of Niles, MI, passed away after a short illness on Sunday evening, June 8, 2025, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born October 13, 1964, in South Bend, IN, a daughter of the late Charles and Elaine Baumgartner.

She was an intensely devoted and generously loving mother to her 16-year-old daughter, Olivia Melsa, who she and her husband of 38 years, Peter Melsa, adopted at birth. She gave everything she had and more to help Olivia conquer numerous challenges due to having Down syndrome.  She worked hard to stay connected and close to all members of her large family and numerous short- and long-standing friends.  She was a certified Montessori teacher.  She was a graduate of Saint Francis College (now University of Saint Francis) in Fort Wayne, IN, and Saint Joseph High School in South Bend, IN.

She lived her life with the firm conviction that love is a verb that requires us to serve others. She was deeply spiritual and a devoted life-long Catholic.  She looked forward to death because she could then spend all her time on “God stuff” rather than on the distractions here on earth.  She enjoyed nurturing her house plants, feeding the birds, watching nature, knitting, and reading.

Linda is survived by Peter and Olivia Melsa. She is also survived by three siblings, Douglas Baumgartner (Cindy) of South Bend, IN, Connie Bruner (Dennis) of Fort Wayne, IN, and Phillip Baumgartner (Sue) of Mishawaka, IN.  She is also survived by her father-in-law, James Melsa of Naperville, IL, and five in-laws, Susan Jordan (John) of Mountainview, CA, Elisabeth Nilles (Ricky) of Holland, IA, Jon Melsa (Christine) of Plainfield, IL, Jennifer Nolan (Shawn) of Naperville, IL, and Mark Melsa (Amanda) of Winfield, IL, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 pm to 7 pm Friday, June 13, 2025, at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a rosary will be prayed at 6:30 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Saturday, June 14, 2025, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles, MI, where friends and family may visit one hour before the mass.   Burial will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery in South Bend, IN.

Donations may be made to the Capital Fund Campaign at St. Mark Catholic Church.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

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