“There is no death, only a change of worlds.” ~Chief Seattle
The world became a little less colorful on March 28, 2020. On that day, Melinda LaJudice, wife to James M. LaJudice III and mother to Nevaeh and Cordell, passed away unexpectedly.
Melinda was born on December 9, 1977, in Denver to parents Donna Marie Thompson and Larry Wayne Robertson. She graduated from Fallbrook Union High School in Fallbrook, California. Melinda studied Economics for several years at CU Boulder. She married Jim on September 21, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They lived in the greater Nederland area for 20 years and their children attended the local schools.
At the time of her death, Melinda was employed as the Deputy Town Clerk of the Town of Nederland, a position she enjoyed while working with a team that had become a second family to her. She was often the first person a local resident or business owner would come into contact with when needing Town services and her warm smile, friendly demeanor, and helpful personality was always appreciated. After assisting someone and checking in to see if they needed anything else, she would often end the conversation with an upbeat “Fantastic!”.
Prior to that, Melinda and Jim ran an auto body repair business called “Judge’s Choice” for many years. They found great satisfaction in restoring and repairing vehicles for their many customers from all over the country.
Melinda had many interests outside her family and work including a love of animals, fast cars, cooking, and live music. She could often be seen driving in the Peak to Peak area in her beloved “Bumblebee”, a bright yellow and black 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. Friends and family enjoyed numerous gatherings of home-cooked meals and laughter hosted by Melinda. She spent many evenings in local establishments such as Ned’s and the Caribou Room with her friends listening and dancing to live music. She loved animals and had a mini-farm raising ducks, peacocks, chickens, and pigs. She also loved her dogs and bearded dragon and along with all living beings in her household, she made sure they were well-fed and well-loved. Melinda grew flowers as well and adored tiger lilies and columbines and purple was her favorite color.
Melinda was an amazing woman. A great mom, wife, and friend. She will always be remembered for the outgoing, fun, and loving woman she was. To her loved ones, Melinda was perfect. She never missed a beat in life, always figuring out whatever challenges came her way. She was taken too soon. She will always be loved and never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to contribute to the fund in Melinda’s name at the Nederland Feed and Pet Store.
The family plans to hold a memorial service later in the year at Chipeta Park in Nederland, one of her favorite places.
(Originally published in the April 9, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
