Melida McAlmon

Melida "Meli" McAlmon, a beloved mother and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2023, just shy of her 92nd birthday. Born on May 12, 1931, in Panama City, Republic of Panama, she was one of twin daughters born to Wilhelmina Blake and Albert Hamm.

After her education in Panama at the Santa Familia Sewing School and a private school for typing and shorthand, she immigrated to New York City in 1954. She married William Neil McAlmon, her love since Panama days, in 1956. They raised three children in this marriage. After many years of living in Brooklyn, New York, she moved to Deer Park, Long Island, New York in 1976.

As a person of great faith, she loved God and followed His word. She participated in church from an early age, beginning with St Paul’s Church in Panama City where she taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir. 

Meli was a hardworking woman. She was a secretary at Cy Dee Jewelry and worked as a clerk at the US Postal Service, serving 35 years before retiring in 2004. She received several awards in recognition of her dedication and outstanding leadership. In her retirement she enjoyed traveling and loved the activities and people at the Wyandanch Senior Center on Long Island where she attended regularly until the pandemic. Her hobbies included doing word puzzles and watching Steve Harvey. She loved Steve, especially the way he dressed!

In November 2022, she moved to Lynnfield, Massachusetts to live with her daughter Karen and her family.

Melida will always be remembered for her kind heart, loving support, warm smile, and unwavering strength. A life well-lived, she brought grace and love to those fortunate enough to know her. Her joy-filled spirit will be missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

She was predeceased by her husband, William Neil McAlmon, longtime partner, Alvin Jeffers, son, Randolph McAlmon and twin sister, Telma Blake.

Survivors include daughters, Karen McAlmon and husband Kwame Ofori-Asante of Lynnfield, MA, Julieta Benjamin of Queens, NY, “adopted” son, Lionel Victor of Deer Park, NY, grandchildren, Kevin Benjamin, Nicole Benjamin, Casey Benjamin, Cristina Bosque, Alexander Ofori, James Ofori, and Gideon Ofori-Asante, several great-grand and great-great-grandchildren, as well as an uncle, many cousins and countless friends.

Those wishing to honor Melida's legacy may consider a donation to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Lynnfield. As we say our goodbyes, let us reminisce on the wonderful moments Melida shared with us and celebrate her life, for her spirit will be a guiding light forever.

“May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday, May 12 from 4-7pm. Funeral Service in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 127 Summer St., Lynnfield on Saturday, May 13 at 11am followed by interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.