Melissa Sweet, a beloved spiritual leader, musician, and mentor, passed away on September 2, 2025, in Saugerties, New York, surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old and had been battling lung cancer since her diagnosis in July 2024. In her final months, Sweet embraced palliative care with courage and a deep commitment to her faith, focusing on her relationships and spiritual practices.
Born April 24, 1937, in Syracuse, New York, as Melissa Alice Marrs, Sweet was the third of four children in the Marrs family. From an early age, she exhibited a profound spiritual curiosity, feeling a distinct connection to the Divine that would guide her throughout her life. Her Christian faith was a cornerstone of her identity, providing both solace and a lifelong pursuit for deeper understanding.
As a dedicated member of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Woodstock, New York, Sweet’s faith journey included exploring diverse philosophies and spiritual practices, all in search of “goodness, truth, and beauty.” In 2008, she earned certification as a Spiritual Director at the Center for Spiritual Direction and Contemplation in New Rochelle, New York. She later acquired further credentials from the Enneagram Institute in Stone Ridge, New York, enabling her to guide her students toward self-discovery and appreciation.
Sweet’s passion for music also began in her youth. Inspired by a cousin, she started playing the flute in fifth grade, a decision that shaped her life trajectory. She became a conservatory-trained musician, studying at both the Eastman School of Music and Syracuse University. As a founding member and principal flutist of the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra (now the Woodstock Symphony Orchestra) in 1980, her musical talent resonated throughout the Hudson Valley.
In addition to her performance career, Sweet dedicated over 50 years to teaching flute, instilling a love for music in her students through compassion and encouragement. Her approach to mentorship reflected her broader philosophy of nurturing relationships and fostering personal growth.
Sweet married Alfred J. Sweet Jr. on June 3, 1956, in Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University. Their 60-year marriage was marked by a strong commitment to family, raising six children and welcoming 11 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Melissa’s nurturing instincts allowed her to connect deeply with each family member, whether through heartfelt notes, shared activities, or meaningful conversations.
Throughout her life, Melissa Sweet was a beacon of faith, creativity, and compassion. Her legacy is reflected in the lives of those she touched, particularly her family, friends, and students.
She was predeceased by her husband and three brothers: Edward Wilson Marrs, John Carlyle Marrs, and David Henry Marrs. She is survived by her six children: Jeffrey Sweet and his wife Ivone of Saugerties; Elizabeth Neilson and her husband William of Knoxville, Tennessee; Stephen Sweet and his wife Jai of Ithaca, New York; Jonathan Sweet and his partner Marcia Baudanza of Saugerties; Brian Sweet and his wife Amy of Red Lodge, Montana; and Kimberly Sweet and her wife Meghan of Noblesville, Indiana.
Visitation for Melissa Sweet will take place on Sunday from 16:00 to 18:00 at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc. in Saugerties. Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 on Monday at St. Gregory’s Church in Woodstock. She will be laid to rest at the church’s Columbarium, a tranquil spot where sunlight graces the bluestone walls and butterflies flutter in the breeze.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to make donations to Hudson Valley Hospice and St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church. Further information regarding her obituary can be found at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com.
