Alison Kelly Melanson

Alison Kelly Melanson died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, June 25th, 2026. Born in Utica, NY on June 17th, 1974, Alison was the beloved daughter of her mother, Kathleen, and her father, Nicholas Kelly.

She was a graduate of SUNY Cortland and the College of St. Rose, where she earned her Masters degree in Elementary Education. A dedicated teacher for 27 years in the South Colonie School District, Ali was known for her patience, humor, enthusiasm, and genuine love for her students and fellow teachers.

On June 22nd, 2002, Alison married the love of her life, Brian. Together they shared 24 years of beautiful marriage, welcoming and raising three children, and building a life grounded in faith, family, and unbreakable support for one another.

Alison is survived by her cherished husband, Brian, her children, Lindsay, Sarah, and James; her mother, Kathleen and her husband, Frank Boden, her father, Nicholas Kelly; and her brother, John Kelly (Kelly). Also surviving Ali are her father-in-law, Rev. Michael Melanson (ret.), brothers-in-law, David Melanson (Carolyn) and Scott Melanson (Stephanie), special aunt, Patricia Montone, and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” Melanson.

Ali lived her entire life with joy, hope, kindness, grace, and beauty. She loved summer and beaches – especially Myrtle Beach and Wildwood. She loved a good book, daisies, babies, Pearl Jam and ice cream. Most of all, she loved living her life with her family and friends. Ali will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

A life-long Catholic, Alison was a parishioner of St. Madeleine Sophie Church, in Schenectady, NY. Friends and family are invited to call on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, from 4-7 PM, at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 1st, at 12 Noon, at St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Schenectady.

In closing, Alison’s family would like to acknowledge the many family members, neighbors, friends and teaching colleagues for their devotion, prayers, and generosity over the span of her illness. To all of her caregivers at NYOH, thank you for your years of compassionate and professional care. To Community Hospice, thank you for easing her way. And lastly, to Colleen Murray, FNP-C RNFA, and her dedicated oncologist, Dr. Maria Theodoulou, thank you for giving Alison a miraculous extra ten years of health and happiness…you are angels.

To those wishing to honor Alison with a tribute, please consider a donation to the NYOH Community Cancer Foundation, 449 Route 146, Suite 101, Clifton Park, NY 12065, in her memory.

At a later date to be announced, a Celebration of Life will be held in Utica for those unable to attend the services in Schenectady.