“JOIN US IN CARRYING OUT OUR MISSION TO SPREAD LAURIE’S LOVE OF LIFE”
— The Melchionda and Ellis Family
This foundation was established in loving memory of Laurie (Ellis) Melchionda. Laurie was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, an aunt, friend and nurse. Family was her number one priority and her community was her extended family. Laurie began her career at Boston Children’s Hospital where she worked for 35 years, but it was her own children’s needs that brought her into the world of school nursing in the town of Braintree. While balancing two jobs, no task was too small for Laurie and no cause was too daunting; from day to day nursing school children, to getting legislation passed to require a full-time nurse in every public school. Education was one of Laurie's greatest passions. She not only took care of students of all abilities, she educated them on the best practices for optimum health and wellness. As Director of Nurses in Braintree and Weston Public school systems, as well as a member of the Board of Health, she educated teachers and legislators and advocated for the students in her care.
“I look forward to working for you and assisting in every way I can promoting, protecting and improving the health and well-being of all students.”
Laurie believed in and lived by those words daily. She worked passionately for the betterment of her community and for all of those around her. Considering Laurie's legacy, her family established this foundation with a focus on community, education and health. We believe with this mission we will continue highlighting the work that Laurie set out to accomplish each day.
—Laurie Melchionda Foundation