Melinda Piña

09/11/1950 ~ 08/19/2013
Melinda Piña age 63, passed away Monday, August 19th 2013, in Bellingham, WA.  She was born on September 11, 1950 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mesa, AZ.  She was the daughter of Jesus and Carmen Pina (deceased) and had one sister, Landa (Doug) Gray.  Melinda left behind 3 nephews, Justin, Haniel, Uriah Gray and niece Bithiah Gray. She also had 6 grandnephews and nieces and one great-grandnephew. She also left behind a very large family in Arizona who will miss her deeply.  Melinda grew up in Tempe, AZ where she graduated in 1969 from Tempe High School.  She went on to be a hair stylist for a few years and went to Mesa Community College to study arts and theatrical make-up.  She wanted more out of life.  As time passed she went to Arizona State University to get her bachelor’s degree in special education.  Melinda was hired at Rosa Linda School in south Phoenix where she taught 1st through 8th grade for 9 years. She moved to Bellingham, WA in 1990 to be with her sister and was then hired by Ferndale High School as a life skills teacher for 13 years and then in the resource program for 8 years. She loved the young adults that God placed in her care and she did her very best to send them off into the world to function and prosper to the best of their ability.  Melinda loved to cross stitch, crochet painted murals and make jewelry.  She also loved to bake and participate in the Bellingham Farmers Market.   She was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and was a member of Abundant Life Church for many years.  The celebration of Melinda’s life will be held at Ferndale High School‘s Auditorium on Saturday September 7th, 2013 at 5 pm. Everyone is welcome to come share their love and support along with any stories they have of Melinda. Please come as you are.