Melissa Huizing Gould

Melissa Huizing Gould, 82, passed away unexpectedly on November 9, 2025, at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY.

Born on March 7, 1943, in West Haven, CT, Melissa was the second of three children born to John “Jack” Huizing and Marguerite “Peggy” Stryker Huizing.

She received her degree in music education from North Carolina Wesleyan University. On August 14, 1969, she married Richard “Dick” Evans Gould from Bellport, NY, and subsequently devoted herself to raising their only child. Music was a lifelong passion for her; she actively participated in various chapters of Sweet Adelines International over the years. Even after she could no longer sing, she remained involved in her church’s bell choir until her passing.

In 1987, Melissa and her family moved to the Ithaca, NY area, where she held positions at St Paul’s United Methodist Church and later at Cayuga Medical Center. Later in life, she found great joy in volunteering at Cayuga Medical Center until Parkinson’s disease made this impossible.

Melissa leaves behind her daughter, Heather L Gould of Locke, NY, and her sister, Marijane Deming of Albuquerque, NM, as well as nieces Kristin (Deming) Groves, Laurel Deming, Stacie (Deming) Scangas, and nephews Robert and William Deming. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her brother John David Huizing, and her partner, Claudia Ann Chappell.

A celebration of life is scheduled for December 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ithaca, NY