Obituaries

Melanie Welles Munson Unterman of Elburn left us suddenly on February 22, 2023 with her loving family at her side.

Melanie was born on November 2, 1956 in New Milford, Connecticut to the late Robert F. and Frances T. Munson.  She had a happy upbringing in the small town of Roxbury, Connecticut while also spending many wonderful times in the family vacation home in Windham, VT.  Mel graduated from Shepaug Valley High School in 1974, and from Southern Connecticut State University in 1978.

A celebratory vacation following her graduation from college led to Melanie moving to and settling in Illinois.  She was excited to again be close to her sister Libby who took Mel to her first of many Cubs games that very same year, a passion she would share with her children and grandchildren.  The family would also go back to the hill in Roxbury for long visits most every year.

Melanie’s life was dedicated to her family and to education.  From an early age, she had a strong desire to teach, and she dedicated her career to Special Education, touching countless young lives.  She taught for many years at Glenbard North High School and as a professor at Northern Illinois University after receiving her Doctor of Education from Aurora University in 2004.   Receiving that Doctorate was a particularly proud moment both for Melanie and her beloved father Bob.  She was always Daddy’s girl!  She spent a good portion of her child rearing years as a single mother often working two jobs.  However she still managed to put all three of her children through college and was primarily responsible for starting the Geneva hockey team and the Geneva gymnastics team.

Melanie retired in 2019 to the dream home she had purchased in Elburn.  She loved spending her free time with her kids and grandkids.  True to form, Melanie returned to her calling, becoming a substitute teacher at Glenbard North. She had to; it’s who she was.

Melanie is survived by her son Aaron Unterman and his wife Alexis of Verona, WI; her daughter Julie Sovey, her husband Parker and their children Ryker and McKinley of Wauwatosa, WI, and; her son Jeff Unterman of Geneva.  She is also survived by her brothers Bob and Andy Munson of CT and her sister Susan Gagnon of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.  Mel was predeceased by her parents and her beloved sister Libby.

Calling hours and a celebration of Melanie’s life will take place on Friday March 17 from 2:00 – 5:00 at Yurs Funeral Home 1771 W. State St. Geneva.

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