Melody Cherie Golden

Melody was born on August 21, 1944 in Los Angeles County, California, later moving with her family to Fontana, California, where she graduated from Fontana High School. Melody pursued her education at California State University, San Bernardino, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees. She worked as a teacher and guidance counselor early in her career. She volunteered as a counselor for rape crisis, eventually shifting her focus and establishing a full–time private practice in San Bernardino, California as a marriage and family therapist, a profession she continued until her retirement in 2006. In addition to her private practice, she also found time to teach at both CSUSB and Loma Linda University.

Outside of work, Melody was a lover of life, always willing to try new activities and hobbies; learning to sail after age 50, she sailed in waters of the Atlantic and Pacific, in multiple countries. She enjoyed the theater, a season–ticket holder to performances in LA for many years. She was an avid and elegant ballroom dancer, meeting her husband, Mark, as a result . Melody also enjoyed knitting and painting. As a watercolorist, she painted the remainder of her life, using art to express herself even when other communications became more difficult, creating new art as well as painted notes to friends and family.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Gentle Shepherd Home Care and Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care organizations for their dedicated assistance and support to Melody. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Melody was passionate engaging and supporting the arts and nature, an ongoing and legacy benefactor to the Denver Art Museum and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, the San Diego Zoo, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and national parks, including Mesa Verde and Yosemite. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of her favorites or a charity of your choosing in her name.