MELISSA BUSH

TICONDEROGA/MIDDLEBURY — Melissa Bush, 51, of Ticonderoga and formerly of Middlebury, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, after a long illness.

Born June 15, 1975, in Middlebury, Vt., she was the beloved daughter of Robert Sargent of Middlebury, Vt., and Carol Draper of Addison, Vt.

Melissa graduated from Middlebury Union High School, where she played in the band and discovered her passion for music. She continued her education at the Fanny Allen School of Nursing, earning her LPN degree.

Melissa began her nursing career at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital. She later returned to Vermont to work in both the dialysis and pediatrics departments at the University of Vermont. Her dedication to healthcare also brought her to Porter Medical Center and Addison County Home Health. She finished her career at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, where an unexpected back injury led her to step away from her professional duties.

Melissa was passionate about helping others. She volunteered as a firefighter and EMT with Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service. After relocating to Ticonderoga, she continued her volunteer work as an EMT with Ti EMS, where she met her husband, Jason. Melissa cherished the summer months, working at Camp Silver Towers in Ripton, Vt., as a youth. She often credited this experience for inspiring her lifelong commitment to helping people with disabilities and children.

Melissa had a deep love for animals, especially her cherished fur babies. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a back injury, pulmonary sarcoidosis, multiple medical issues, and being an amputee, she never lost her compassion for others. She enjoyed spending time outdoors and gardening. She had a passion for music and photography. She loved to reminisce about her youthful days and had stories of all her friends, family, and co-workers.

Melissa is survived by her husband of twenty-four years, Jason Bush of Ticonderoga, and her stepsister Lisa (Stephen) Dupoise of New Haven, Vt. She leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly. Melissa was predeceased by both her parents, Robert Sargent and Carol Draper.

A celebration of life and burial will be done later at the convenience of family.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home of Ticonderoga. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wilcoxandreganfuneralhome.com ◊