Melinda K. Perkins, 69, of Norwich, CT passed away August 10, 2025 at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, CT after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Melinda, known to most as “Mindy,” was born on November 4, 1955 to Fred and Helen “Kay” Birner Perkins, who predeceased her. She was raised on Fishers Island, NY where she could often be found on the beach or involved in innocent mischief (like borrowing cars from the ferry parking lot, filling the holes in the golf course, or sneaking into the movie theater). She graduated from Fishers Island school in 1973 and moved to CT. Melinda enjoyed a successful career in transportation, working her way up from Assistant Manager at SEAT to General Manager of WRTD until her retirement in 2014. Her career choice in transportation reflected her love of travel, which took her on family adventures to Blowing Rock, Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Disney, and countless weekend getaways.
Her love of travel, however, was far overshadowed by the love of her family. She was a wonderful mother to her daughter Kaitlyn, a role in which she never missed a game, ceremony, or fundraising event. Likewise, she took every opportunity to teach, support, and love with humor and wisdom. She carried these qualities into her marriage at age 56 to Dale, the love of her life and author of long moonlight motorcycle rides, numerous adventures, and lasting stability. In 2016, Melinda became Mimi, with the birth of her first granddaughter Penelope and again in 2018 to Morgan. The girls became her world, and she never shied away from sharing the proud and happy moments and telling their tales to whoever would listen.
Melinda was a proud member of New London Motorcycle Club since 2012. She spent her time within the club participating in fundraising events and volunteering on the bylaw committee. Melinda truly loved the club, as evidenced by the many improvements she orchestrated and the pride in her eyes when she spoke of her club brothers and sisters.
Melinda was the person you could always count on. The first to show up to help and the last to leave. She always had the answer, and was somehow always right. She was quick to offer humor, wisdom, sarcasm, and support. She rallied behind those she loved and never let giving up become an option.
Melinda is survived by her husband, Dale Adams, daughter Kaitlyn Paulson, granddaughters, Penelope and Morgan Paulson, sister Yarrow Summers, sister-in-law Celeste Windhom, niece, Nicole (Frankie) Shalabi, nephew Mitchal (Courtney) Windhom, longtime best friends Leslie Jarvis, Arcelia Bettencourt, Bonnie Huntley, and Laura Mahoney, as well as many other family members and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Michael Windhom, her step-father, her chosen dad, William Windhom, and her best friend and confidant, Larry Kelly.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 11 Jerome Rd. Montville, CT 06382. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at the New London Motorcycle Club, 330 Moxley Rd. Montville, CT 06382.
