Melissa Biehn

Celebrating the Life of Melissa Renee Biehn, 54, of Bangor, Maine

Melissa Renee (Edger) Biehn, a brilliant, creative, and endlessly kind soul, passed away peacefully May 3, 2025 after a brief, but brave battle with cancer. She was tenacious throughout all of life and this strength of character was with her until the end. Though her time with us was far too short, she leaves a legacy as a devoted educator, a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and an unwavering friend. Her radiant presence in her community will live on in all who were lucky enough to know her. Melissa dedicated her life to those she loved. Those who have felt that love know that nothing can compare.

Born and raised in Maine, Melissa graduated from Hermon High School in 1989 and earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine in 1993. Her passion for literacy and lifelong learning led her to pursue a master's degree and later a Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) in Literacy Education, which she proudly completed in 2014.

Melissa dedicated over 30 years to the field of education, including 21 years with the Hermon School Department. She most recently served as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and previously worked as an elementary educator and literacy specialist-roles in which she shared her wisdom, creativity, and deep care for both students and colleagues. Her ability to make learning joyful and meaningful touched countless lives.

Her strong work ethic began early. Melissa's first job was at Campbell's Store, where she created countless memories running the deli with her long-time friend Dana (Scanlan) O'Connor. She later worked at The House of Blarney, Seguino's Restaurant, and The Whig & Courier, always bringing warmth, humor, and diligence to whatever role she held. Additionally, Melissa generously donated countless hours of her time to Bangor Soccer Club, serving as president from 2014-2023.

When Melissa wasn't working as an educator, she was creating. Melissa was an artist in carpentry, jewelry making, pottery, scrapbooking, painting, sewing, quilt-making, and more. All of these crafts were skills she picked up in pursuit of making a gift for a loved one. More times than her family could count, Melissa would stay up sewing or painting to finish a project just to make someone feel special and loved. She also owned and operated a small business, Prints Charming, where she made lasting keepsakes of children's hand and foot imprints in clay-capturing cherished memories for families across the community.

Melissa found deep joy in the simple pleasures of life. She treasured time spent at Toddy Pond, where she enjoyed boat rides, relaxing in the hammock, playing cribbage, and creating New Year's Eve games for all to enjoy. Melissa took great pride in organizing and hosting occasions of all types for family and friends. She was an avid cook who poured love into her food, especially during Thanksgiving, always preparing everyone's favorite dish.

She enjoyed puzzles, card games, and especially the fun family times playing Mexican Dominoes. She had a deep appreciation for Broadway plays and local theater. Her encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture made her a favorite teammate in trivia and a sparkling conversationalist. Above all, Melissa will be remembered for her intelligence, generosity, and the kind of compassion that made everyone feel seen, safe, and loved. She never judged, always listened, and embraced every person with an open heart.

Melissa is survived by her beloved husband, Scott, and her children, who were her greatest joys, Benjamin and Brielle, along with Brielle's boyfriend Itai. She also leaves behind her siblings and their families: Kristi and Don Erb with children Griffin and Samantha; Angie Legasse with children Sydney, Brynn, and Ellie; Liz and Jamie Mattingly with daughters Kelsey and Ella; B-Jay Miles and daughter Hailey; Ruth and Eric Greenwell with their son Samuel; Nick Dow and son Osiris; Todd and Elizabeth Biehn with children Heidi, Jessica, Todd, and Emily; and Paul and Jennifer Biehn with children Joseph, Sierra, Kailey, Allyssa, and Aaron. She is also survived by her mother Shirley Dow, grandmother Chloe Libby, in-laws David and Carolyn Biehn, Ben's father, Randal Ruhlin, along with the Ruhlin Family, and dear friends Jen & Reginald Ruhlin, Dana & Paul O'Connor, Brian & Jackie Fox, Janet & William Nichols, and Angela Slate. Melissa was predeceased by her loving father, William Beam, step-mother, Darlene Beam, and grandfather Gerald Libby.

A service to celebrate Melissa's extraordinary life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at All Souls Congregational Church, 10 Broadway, Bangor, with the Rev. Chad L. Poland, pastor and teacher, officiating, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Melissa's memory to Literacy Volunteers, 354 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401, continuing her mission of empowering others through the love of learning.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.