Melissa Sweet, a beloved figure in her community and a dedicated mentor, passed away on September 2, 2025, in Saugerties, New York. Surrounded by family, she faced her battle with lung cancer, diagnosed in July 2024, with remarkable strength and a deep-rooted faith. In her final months, Melissa continued to inspire her Enneagram students and cherished moments with loved ones, emphasizing the relationships that enriched her life.
Born April 24, 1937, as Melissa Alice Marrs to Edwin and Mildred Marrs in Syracuse, New York, she was the third of four children. From a young age, Melissa exhibited a profound spiritual curiosity, with early memories reflecting her connection to the Divine. Her lifelong faith in Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through various phases of her life.
A Lifelong Journey of Faith and Music
A committed member of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Woodstock, New York, Melissa’s spirituality was both a source of solace and a lifelong pursuit of deeper understanding. She explored various philosophies and spiritual practices, always striving for “goodness, truth, and beauty.” In 2008, she achieved certification as a Spiritual Director at the Center for Spiritual Direction and Contemplation in New Rochelle, New York, and furthered her expertise with certifications from the Enneagram Institute in Stone Ridge, New York. These experiences equipped her to help students cultivate self-understanding and appreciation.
Melissa’s passion for music began in fifth grade when she took up the flute, influenced by a cousin. This decision profoundly shaped her life, leading her to become a conservatory-trained musician. She studied at both the Eastman School of Music and Syracuse University, performing with chamber groups throughout the Hudson Valley. In 1980, she became a founding member and principal flutist of the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra, now known as the Woodstock Symphony Orchestra.
Beyond her performances, Melissa dedicated over fifty years to teaching the flute, instilling in her students a commitment to musicianship and a love for music. Her nurturing approach left a lasting impact on countless young musicians.
A Life Rich in Family and Relationships
Melissa’s personal life was equally vibrant. She married Alfred J. Sweet Jr. on June 3, 1956, in Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University. Their sixty-year marriage was marked by devotion as they raised six children, a number Melissa felt destined to have. Their family later expanded to include eleven grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
Known for her instinctive understanding of her family’s needs, Melissa often expressed her love through handwritten notes, engaging activities, and heartfelt conversations. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue their dreams and celebrated their achievements, fostering a nurturing family environment.
Melissa Sweet’s life exemplified faith, growth, and deep connections. Through her music, mentorship, and compassion, she created beauty and left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Her legacy continues to resonate, especially among her surviving children: Jeffrey Sweet, Elizabeth Neilson, Stephen Sweet, Jonathan Sweet, Brian Sweet, and Kimberly Sweet, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband and three brothers: Edward Wilson Marrs, John Carlyle Marrs, and David Henry Marrs.
Visitation for Melissa will take place on Sunday from 16:00 to 18:00 at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc., located at the corner of John and Lafayette Streets in Saugerties. Her Funeral Service is scheduled for 10:00 on Monday at St. Gregory’s Church in Woodstock. Melissa will be laid to rest at the tranquil Columbarium at St. Gregory’s, a location filled with light and beauty.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to make donations to Hudson Valley Hospice or St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church. For additional obituary information, please visit SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com.