ORONO – Melanie Freed died Sept. 30, 2007, in Orono, after 14 years with a malignant brain tumor. She was born June 12, 1956, to Robert and Martyne Freed in Abington, Pa., and raised with her sisters, Gwen and Bethany, in Telford, Pa. She attended Ursinus College and Jefferson Medical School, where she graduated with high honors, and completed one year of family practice residency at the Henry Ford Hospital, Michigan. Melanie spent four years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force and 18 years with her valued colleagues in the Maine Air National Guard 101st Refueling Wing, 101st Medical Group, Bangor. She served with distinction until retirement due to illness, October 2005. Melanie married Rick Riemersma in September 1984, and greatly enhanced his character for 23 years. They have three children together, Lauren and her partner, Nick Aucoin, Joel and Corey; and one grandchild, Kayden Aucoin, who were always a blessing and mostly a joy! She was active in three churches throughout her sojourn in Maine: Pilgrim OPC, Orono Community Church and New Hope Christian Reformed Church. Melanie served on the Penobscot Christian School board for many years. She was known for her gentle spirit and excellent desserts, which will be remembered for their excellent taste and the remaining inches on our waists and hips. Melanie was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery. A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the gymnasium of Penobscot Christian School, 1423 Ohio St., Bangor. She died in great assurance of the Christian’s Hope. “After all, to the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”
RETIRED LT. COL. MELANIE FREED RIEMERSMA, M.D.
