With sadness, I report the passing of Melanie Bleich, long-time EOC employee and retiree. Melanie left us on Saturday, May 2.
Melanie was employed as a faculty member for the EOC from September 1979 until her retirement in November 2006. Over her 27 year career, she accomplished many things. In addition to her role as an academic instructor, she served as the assistant coordinator of Student Services for a period of time.
Melanie was a key player during the center’s early offerings in life skills. Her passion was evident in everything she undertook and none more so than in the energies she devoted to the center’s ESL program.
Melanie is known and remembered for her energy, enthusiasm and positive outlook. She was a devoted student advocate with a talent for providing a stimulating classroom environment that made her students feel at ease. One of her former students noted that she intuitively recognized something in her students and more importantly took the time to acknowledge it. He referenced her as “a light of inspiration and an anchor of faith” from which he had been able to “see and achieve possibilities.” His comments reflect the legacy she left behind through the individuals whose lives she helped changed.
Services for Melanie will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at 1 p.m. at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society or a charity of their choice that reflects Melanie’s love for education and her generous heart.
You may find Melanie’s full obituary in the Times Union.
Published: Mon, 04 May 2015 14:12:15 +0000 by l.marion