Melody Ann Rush

Melody Ann Rush, of Rome, passed away March 21, 2026 at the young age of 69. Melody was born in Syracuse, New York on November 10, 1956 to the late James and Sarah Gardner. She worked as an optician for 34 years throughout Central New York and retired from the Eye Care Center of Oneida. Melody felt strongly about the importance of managing physical health. She believed that the eyes are a vital “window” for detecting early signs for chronic disease. She loved her work because healthcare and helping others were central to who she was.

In her free time, Melody enjoyed life’s simple pleasures such as spending quality time with her family, tending to her flower gardens and hummingbird feeders, dancing at concerts, fishing, watching local theatre, NASCAR races at Watkins Glen, creating beautiful latch hook gifts for those she loved, and she especially loved camping with her husband and walking their dogs at Delta Lake State Park.

A silent champion for others, Melody often put the needs of those around her before her own. She was especially proud of her donation status with the American Red Cross because her rare blood type was often used to help newborns and she loved earning the title “Baby Saver.” Melody was also passionate about Relay for Life because of the impact cancer has had on so many lives.

In Melody’s youth, she lovingly earned the nickname “Messy Mel”. She was the quintessential tomboy-playing outside in the dirt or making a mess on the first bite of a hard-shelled taco. Throughout her life, she bravely faced many of life’s challenges head-on. In her recent and brief battle with cancer, she earned the new nickname “Mighty Mel”.

Melody was preceded by her mother, Sarah; her father, James; mother-in-law, Shirley Dressing; and her niece, Susan.

She is survived by her loving husband, Russel Rush; two daughters, Kristin Albro, Erika Albro; son, Colin Albro (significant other, Chad Conley); grandchildren, Lauren Dupre, Jakob Greenwood, Mylo Hubert-Conley, and Ava Hubert-Conley; sister, Merrily Alcorn; brother, Jim Gardner; and several nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Her kindness, compassion, and quiet strength will be missed by all who knew her.

Per her request services are private for the family. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the American Cancer Society.

To share a memory of Melody or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.