Melissa Anne McGinty, 77, of Virginia Beach died peacefully at home October 11, 2021.

Born In Martinsville, VA she was the daughter of Arthur and Bingham McGinty.  Before settling in Virginia Beach after retirement, she lived and worked in Charlotte, VT and Dover, DE. Melissa is survived by her sister Trudy Mizell of Virginia Beach, her brother Frank McGinty and wife Cass of Tucson, AZ and many nieces and nephews.

Following a year abroad in France after graduating from Martinsville High School, Melissa earned a master’s degree from the University of Delaware and had a long and successful career as a Psychiatric Social Worker.  She worked with mentally impaired patients and developed numerous programs and community houses for the State of Delaware that are still being utilized today.

Melissa loved the outdoors. She loved to play golf and ride her Harley Davidson motorcycle. She was an avid birder and wildlife photographer. She traveled the country on many wildlife adventures which she was able to document with professional quality photographs. She was also instrumental in planning and establishing the Champlain Valley Cohousing community in Charlotte, VT.

Melissa was a kind and generous person and will be missed by many friends and family.

A private service will be held at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of Melissa’s favorite charities: The National Audubon Society, Doctors Without Borders, or Operation Smile.