Melissa Tuckerman

Melissa passed away in Superior, MT on Dec. 13, 2025.
Born Oct. 10, 1953, in Boston, MA, Melissa lived a life shaped by independence, creativity and deep kindness. From an early age she followed a path that was distinctly her own. She lived simply, gave generously and cared deeply. She was a consummate caregiver, a quick wit and gifted storyteller.
Her life was a patchwork of friends, animals, and experiences, stitched together with the same care, variety and compassion found in her unique culinary and quilting creations. As a long-time friend relayed, “Melissa was the only person she had ever known who took the time to be your friend.”
Melissa spent her early years in Cohasset and Boston, MA and summers on Lake Temagami, Ontario. She broke barriers early in her working life as the first female bellhop at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.
In 1993 she headed west to Upper Miller Creek Road outside of Missoula, where she devoted many years as a caretaker to the Waldbillig brothers, as well as helping with their ranch duties of cows, calving, haying, and the like; later working as cook and helpful hand for Pachy Burns' sheepherding operation.
Melissa later settled in Superior, MT along Dry Creek, finding peace in nature and the companionship of her beloved cats. She crafted and graciously shared her handmade specialty chocolates and famed chex mix, as well as magnificent quilts and quilted novelties with family, friends, and wildfire firefighters; each of her creations was crafted with care and shared selflessly.
A voracious reader, Melissa was a longtime supporter of the Mineral County Library in Superior and volunteered in the town’s community recycling efforts.
Melissa is survived by her sister, Robin Denninger of Houston, TX, brother Russell Tuckerman of Bozeman, MT, nephews Jack Denninger (Liza), Cooper Tuckerman, Hudson Tuckerman and niece Kate Denninger Shaver (Carter), grandniece, Lottie Denninger and grandnephew, Conrad Shaver. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward (Ned) Morrill Tuckerman and Grace Russell Tuckerman, of Cohasset, MA.
 All who knew Melissa are invited to gather in a Celebration to Remember and honor her life April 11 at 1 p.m. at Riverside Gathering located at 502 2nd Ave E in Superior, MT.