February 27, 1940 – February 7, 2024

Melissa Nesbit Loy passed away on February 7, 2024. She brought out the beauty in everything and everyone that she touched throughout her life.

Melissa was born to Louise and Raymond Loy on February 27, 1940 in Ellensburg. Her grandfather was a co-founder of Central Washington University and the Ellensburg Rodeo. Early on her family moved to Seattle where her father set up a successful dental practice. Some of her most favorite family memories were of them sailing on their boat throughout Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Early on, she fell in love with sewing. She would make and design her own clothes and later on, even became a clothing designer.

Melissa attended St. Anne’s and then Holy Names Academy in Seattle. She attended college at the University of Montana on a music scholarship where she played the harp in the symphony. Melissa was a member of Tri Delta Sorority and cherished her lifelong friendships she made there.

Melissa knew how to create a village. She lived in her home on Mercer Island off and on for the next 40 years. Throughout her life she demonstrated intelligence, business savvy, and great loyalty to her friends and family. She had a catering business on the island for many years and made friends wherever she went. She had a sharp wit and great zest for life. Melissa became a grandmother in her later years and wow did she give her twin grandsons her all! She exhibited such strength and love even in her last years. She left the earth the same way she entered it – with peace and joy. All of her friends and family love her fiercely and are so thankful for the time we had with her.

Melissa is survived by her only child, Elizabeth Loy Gehrig. A private memorial service was held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Mercer Island on Melissa’s birthday, February 27, 2024.