Melissa Jill Kluge

PORTLAND – Melissa Jill Kluge, 56, lost her courageous battle with leukemia Friday February 17, 2023, at Maine Medical Center with her daughters by her side. She was born May 9, 1966, in Rumford, the daughter of Fredrick Kluge and Linda Edwards.

Melissa graduated from Lake Region High School Class of 1984 where she played field hockey and basketball. Following graduation, she went on to attend Castleton University and graduated from USM.

After graduation she was employed by Hancock Lumber to write The History of Casco for the celebration of the sesquicentennial. After spending years raising her two daughters, Melissa went on to get her master’s in education.

Working as a special education teacher was her passion. She went above and beyond for all her students. At the time of her passing she was teaching special education at Oxford Hills High School.

She spent her summers teaching swimming lessons, working as a BHP, and preparing for Casco Days. The last weekend in July every year was devoted to making sure Casco Days and the parade ran smoothly.

Melissa enjoyed winters snowshoeing with her dog Greta and summers outside with the birds or her toes in the water. She enjoyed spending her free time reading. She was a loving, devoted, hard working mother, daughter, and friend who will be dearly missed.

She leaves behind her two daughters Paige Sullivan and husband James Sullivan and Lindsey Kenison; her mother Linda Edwards; sisters Sally Willey and Meredith Kluge; brother Andrew Kluge; also surviving are aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was predeceased by her father Fredrick Kluge.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco. http://www.hallfuneralhome.net.

Those who wish to remember Melissa in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Casco Days Association or the

Casco Library.