Melissa Ann Galvin Dobson

Melissa Ann Galvin-Dobson danced into Heaven on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the age of 34. A Stockton native, Melissa graduated from Lincoln High School and attended University of the Pacific. She married Patrick Dobson and they were blessed with two children, Brady (8) and Stella (4). At the age of 18, Melissa began a fourteen-year career with the 49er organization as a Gold Rush Cheerleader for seven years. She continued on with the organization as host of 49ers Total Access, and Assistant Director of the Gold Rush. Melissa was proud that she never missed a home game in fourteen years.

Her passion for dance and love for teaching led to opening her own studio, Dance Xtreme in Stockton. She was a teacher, mentor and role model to many young dancers. Her creativity as a seasoned choreographer was reflected in her epic dance recitals. She touched many lives, and accomplished so much in her 34 years. Melissa battled breast cancer, first diagnosed in 2011 and again in July of 2014. Yet through it all, her smile was contagious, her battle courageous, and her passion for life kept her dancing.

In addition to her husband Patrick, and children Brady and Stella, Melissa is survived by her father Tom Galvin, sister Leann Galvin Thompson (Greg), nieces Kendall and Reese, father-in-law and mother-in-law Kevin and Susan Dobson, brother-in-law Sean Dobson (Meghan), sister-in-law Mariah, aunt Kathy Gallagher and cousins Ryan and Tara Gallagher. She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Linda Galvin, with whom - we are sure - Melissa is dancing with in heaven today.

DeYoung Memorial Chapel is handling funeral arrangements. A Funeral Mass will be held at Morris Chapel, 3601 Pacific Ave., at 10 a.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Melissa Galvin-Dobson Memorial Account, attention Lisa Engelhardt or Greg Thompson, at Farmers & Merchants Bank, Lodi Main Office 121 W. Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240.