Obituary of Melanie George

Melanie A. Bush George, age 47, of Locke, NY passed away due to complications from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Saturday, December 9th at her home surrounded by her adoring family. She left us way too soon. Melanie graduated from Dryden Central High School in 1989. She went on to earn her nursing degree from SUNY Cortland and later went back to earn a Masters degree in History from the same institution. Melanie served the community as an RN at a variety of nursing homes and Cortland Regional Medical Center; she also taught Social Studies at Lansing and Homer High Schools for a combined 12 years. She was preceded in death by her father, Stephen Bush. Surviving her are her husband, Thomas George; children: Liam, Kennedy and Connor George; mother, Jeanne Bush; brother, Ian Bush; sister-in-law, Kate Bush; niece, Alyssa Bush; and nephew, Dylan Bush. She also leaves behind several aunts, uncles and cousins. Melanie was an avid lover of all things Marvel and Harry Potter. She adhered to the tenets of Buddhism. She believed in everyone. Her capacity for unconditional love and compassion made her an outstanding wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, nurse and teacher. Her life is best summarized by the following passage from the book, The Teaching of Buddha: "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the single candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." The passion and compassion of this one amazing woman inspired hundreds to follow their own passions, to embrace differences rather than vilify them, and to treat each other with kindness and respect. We cannot sufficiently thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of support for our family during this trying year. She felt loved and valued throughout the ordeal; your efforts were greatly appreciated. Calling hours will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Friday, December 15th, at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Avenue, Cortland, NY. Per Melanie's request do not wear black but incorporate elements of white and purple instead. She loved flowers; alternatively donations can be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation at https://community.lymphoma.org/tribute To offer on-line condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com.