This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Melinda Fairchild Leete went home April 16, unrelated to COVID. She was born in New Haven, July 1961, to Carlyne Leete and the late Lawrence “Rod” Leete, Jr., of Guilford.

Melinda graduated from the Hammonasset School in Madison, and received her B.A. from Southern Connecticut State College, magna cum laude.

After living many years in New Canaan, she recently returned to her roots. She considered it an honor to have descended from one of Guilford’s founders, William Leete.

Melinda leaves her son, Edward Leete Koeckert; her former husband and dear friend, Dodd N. Koeckert of New Canaan; and her steadfast little dog Tess. Besides her mother, she is survived by brothers Lawrence Leete III (Patricia) and Bradford W. Leete (Lydia); sister Cameron E. Leete (husband John Murphy); nephews Jason (Lauren), Joshua (Leigh), and Bradford (Jr.) Leete; niece Emily Leete; and former sister-in-law Elizabeth H. Koeckert of Wilton.

In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her grandparents, Carl and Alice Rosenquist and Lawrence and Mildred Leete, all from Leete’s Island; her brother-in-law Louis Bradanini; and her former mother and father-in-law, Mary Elizabeth and Donald Koeckert.

Private burial will be at the convenience of the family at Leete’s Island Cemetery. Because of Melinda’s lifelong concern for pets whose parents lack the resources to care for them, memorial contributions to the Connecticut Humane Society, 455 Post Road East, Westport, CT, would be the best remembrance of her life. Arrangements are in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.