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Barbara Lynn Melkin, Beloved Mother and Community Leader, Passes Away

Graveside service in memory of Barbara Lynn Melkin

News Summary

Barbara Lynn Melkin, a cherished mother and influential community figure, passed away peacefully recently. A graveside service was held in her honor, attended by family and friends who celebrated her numerous contributions to the community. Born in New York, Barbara was a dynamic person who excelled in the arts, community service, and had a multifaceted career. She was dedicated to her family, leaving behind a lasting legacy through her children and grandchildren. Her spirit of kindness and creativity will always be remembered.

Barbara Lynn Melkin, Beloved Mother and Community Leader, Passes Away at 79

Atlanta, Georgia has lost a remarkable woman with the passing of Barbara Lynn Melkin on March 25, 2025. Known for her dedication to family and community, Barbara passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.

Graveside Service to Honor a Life Well-Lived

A heartfelt graveside service took place at Beth El Cemetery in Greenwood Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona, at 9 a.m. on March 27, 2025. Family and friends gathered to celebrate her life and the many contributions she made to her community.

Early Life and Marriage

Born on February 10, 1946, in Westchester County, New York, Barbara showed an early interest in music, theater, and dance. She made headlines as the first Fire Safety Queen for the New Rochelle Fire Department and graduated from New Rochelle High School. It was during a blind date that she met her future husband, Stephen Melkin. Their whirlwind romance led to an engagement after just three months, culminating in a marriage that spanned an incredible 51 years.

Community Engagement

Barbara and Stephen made their homes in Brentwood, Tennessee, and Sun City West, Arizona. Barbara was not only a devoted wife and mother, but she was also deeply involved in community service. As a founding member of Nashville ORT and a lifetime member of Hadassah, she played an important role in connecting and uplifting those around her. Her leadership at West End Synagogue was marked by her contributions on the Board, her presidency over the Sisterhood, and her efforts managing the gift shop.

A Passion for the Arts

Music flowed through Barbara’s veins; she co-created engaging musicals inspired by Broadway for her synagogue community. Her love of literature manifested in her participation with the Inquisitors Book Club, where she humorously opted for drafting research papers instead of reading the selections.

A Multifaceted Career

Later in her career, Barbara combined her passion for travel with her professional life as a travel agent. She also took on roles as a medical assistant in her husband’s practice and at the Frist Medical Center, proving her versatile talents. After her children left for college, Barbara embraced new interests through studies in calligraphy, bookmaking, painting, and papermaking, eventually becoming the President of the Nashville Calligraphy Guild. Her remarkable artwork graced the walls of the Parthenon Museum.

A Loving Mother and Grandmother

Barbara crafted beautiful Ketubbot for each of her children, their friends, and family, showcasing her love through art. Friends and family will always remember Barbara for her intelligence, elegance, kindness, hospitality, and especially her famous noodle kugel.

Legacy and Survivors

Barbara was predeceased by her loving husband, her parents Faye and Sammy Hochberg, and her brother Burton Hochberg. She is survived by her children: Diane Weinberg (Michael), David Melkin (Carrie), and Deborah Melkin (Andy Yun), alongside her cherished grandchildren: Samuel, Aaron, Isaac, Sarah, and Ryan. She is also survived by her brother, Marvin Hochberg.

In Loving Memory

In honor of Barbara’s memory, donations can be made to Congregation Beth Shalom in Dunwoody, Georgia. Funeral arrangements were expertly handled by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care. Her spirit of kindness and dedication to her community will live on in the hearts of those she touched.