Greta H. Melius, age 79, passed away on Sunday, September 13th in the comfort of her home in Hyde Park, NY after a nine-month battle with inflammatory breast cancer. She was born to the late Soren Lauridsen and Gladys Decker Lauridsen on November 4, 1940.

Greta was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and a local school of Cosmetology. In 1973, Greta married the love of her life James J. Melius. She is survived by her husband, her brother Robert Lauridsen, daughters Suzanne Roe and Cheryl Palmatier, son Henry "Bucky" Golden III, grandsons Christian Golden, Daniel Roe, Nicholas Roe and Patrick Palmatier, as well as many nieces and nephews. Her sisters Anita Whitney and Janet Warren predeceased her.

Greta owned and operated Nicole's Beauty Salon on Hooker Avenue in Poughkeepsie for many decades. She loved hairdressing as well as her relationships with staff and clients. Additionally, she worked by her husband's side at his business, East Coast Gym, where she built many more friendships. She would also accompany her husband to his band jobs where she loved to dance the night away! Most important to Greta was her family. She was a wonderful and devoted wife, mother, and friend.

There will be a Celebration of Greta's Life at Reach Out Church (241 Crum Elbow Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538) on Sunday September 20, 2020. Visitation will begin at 2pm with memoriam from 2:30 to 4pm. Family and friends are encouraged to share stories and memories of Greta. If you have a story you wish to share but rather not read yourself, please write it down clearly and it will be read on your behalf.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in Greta's name to Hudson Valley Hospice for their tremendous acts of kindness and support in her final weeks at home with her family:

Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 https://www.hvhospice.org/donate-memorial/ Arrangements are entrusted with Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home Inc. 39 So Hamilton St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. 845-452-1840. To send online condolences visit www.darrowfuneralhome.org