Melinda Vasconcelles

Melinda Vasconcelles, 83, of Springfield, IL, died on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at EverTrue Concordia Village in Springfield. The daughter of Walter J. and Dorothy E. (Riley) Lynch, Melinda, or Mindy as most knew her, was born on August 21, 1942, in Springfield. Mindy married James (Jim) M. Vasconcelles on August 25, 1962, also of Springfield; he preceded her in death, on July 12, 2023.

Mindy graduated from Springfield High School and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, returning to Springfield with her husband, Jim, after he graduated from the University of Illinois in 1963. For nearly all of the next 60 years, Mindy lived in Springfield with her beloved husband, focusing on raising and supporting her family. She also dedicated significant energy and focus toward her church, local schools and the community through assuming numerous positions of responsibility over many decades. Mindy was a charter member of Hope Presbyterian Church, and a long-time member of the Island Bay Yacht Club, Sangamo Club, and through her husband Jim, the Springfield Motor Boat Club. Mindy enjoyed entertaining extended family and friends, hosting innumerable holiday gatherings. She enjoyed cooking and baking, was an avid bridge player for most of her adult life, traveled extensively with her husband Jim and other family and friends, and spent time lovingly with her expanding number of grandchildren.

In addition to being pre-deceased by her parents and husband, Mindy was also preceded in death by her brother, Richard R. Lynch. Mindy is survived by her children, Anne E. (James) Reinhart of Greenville, SC, Michael J. (Martina) Vasconcelles of Wellesley, MA, Mark T. (Cara) Vasconcelles of Springfield, and Matthew L. (Ashley) Vasconcelles of Newnan, GA. She is also survived by her ten grandchildren, Andrew (Nichole) Vasconcelles, Emily Vasconcelles, Alexander Vasconcelles, Ryan Vasconcelles, Julia (Aiden) Walker, Oliver Vasconcelles, Adam Vasconcelles, Molly Kuper, Ethan Vasconcelles, and Charles Vasconcelles, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Contributions and Interment: In lieu of flowers, friends and acquaintances are encouraged to consider memorial contributions to The American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601. A private interment ceremony officiated by Chaplain Jeff Harter will take place on December 9, 2025, at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.