Melinda Muller

Melinda is survived by her husband, Dave; their children, John, Carly, and Billy; her dog Cooper; her mother, Debbe Jack; her brother, John K Jack; her sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer Jack and Mike O’Gara; her mother-in-law, Beth Muller; her brother-in-law, Wesley Muller, and his wife Dawn, along with their children, Kyle and Elyse. She also leaves behind a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and former students who will carry her spirit forward.

She was predeceased by her father, John P Jack; her father-in-law, Charlie Muller; and her best friend, Kim Beresh.

A lifelong resident of Toms River, Melinda met her husband while the two were lifeguarding in the summer of 1990 — a perfect start for someone who spent her life caring for others. Her proudest joy was being a mother. Nothing mattered more to her than John, Carly, and Billy, and her love for them was endless. Melinda was the heart of her family and of every group she was part of — the one who made sure everyone felt loved, encouraged, and seen.

For 26 years, Melinda brought that same warmth and caring to her classroom at Aldrich Elementary School in Howell. As a teacher, she inspired countless students with her kindness, patience, and love of school. Her family will forever love hearing stories from the many lives she touched.

Even in her final moments, Melinda’s kindness carries on — as she insisted, her last selfless act was the gift of organ donation, giving others a chance to live life as much as her.

A celebration of Melinda’s life will be held at Anderson & Campbell funeral home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753, on Monday, October 13th from 4 - 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cardiac Center in her honor.