4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
HALTER, DR. MELISSA FRANCIS
September 4, 1971 – January 19, 2021
Melissa Francis Halter was reunited in Heaven with her Dad on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021. She passed away unexpectedly, quickly, and peacefully in her home in San Diego, California. It was not COVID related.
Melissa was born on September 4th, 1971 to Mary Hynes Halter and Thomas Albert Halter in Oakland, California. She was the youngest of four children including Kathy Halter, Tom Halter and Kristin (Halter) Elliott. From a family full of big personalities and strong-willed individuals, Melissa was undeniably the best Halter and the soul of the family. She embodied everything a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend should be.
Melissa grew up in the Arcadia area in Scottsdale, Arizona, attended Kaibab & Hopi Elementary, Ingleside Middle School and graduated from Arcadia High School in 1990. Melissa was truly “All-Arcadian” in High School where she began her lifelong journey of quietly creating relationships, identifying needs, bridging gaps, and building foundations which made the world around her better for everyone. Her many friends and classmates elected her as Class President each year and then Student Body President, recognizing her unique ability to lead quietly and efficiently. She was a member of the swimming & diving team where she was recognized as “Most Determined” by coaches and teammates. She also took great pride in her roles in Anytown, Delta Service Group, National Honor Society and AFS.
Melissa went on to attend Arizona State University for one year and then Northern Arizona University where she found her home and discovered her professional passion for the next 7 years. She was a Residence Hall Director and then Residence Life Administrator at NAU while she studied Psychology, receiving her Undergrad, Masters and Doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology. In Flagstaff, she also created lifelong connections with her sisters in the bond of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.
The majority of Dr. Melissa Halter’s professional career was spent at the University of San Diego where she built a reputation of unparalleled respect and complete efficiency which colleagues, co-workers, students, and friends would agree always came wrapped in a soft-spoken yet commanding kindness. Without question, she was beloved by every member of her USD family and recognized as a humble and selfless leader.
Over a period spanning 17 years at USD, Melissa’s work experiences ranged from working within Wellness, Residential Life, Student Conduct, Academic Support Services and Academic Affairs. Additionally, Dr. Halter was a licensed psychologist and provided direct clinical care to students and worked to support them in a holistic way. She loved her time teaching and mentoring and was fueled by the impact she had on her students. Her most recent role at the University was Assistant Vice President for Student Wellness and adjunct faculty in the Department of Counseling and Marital and Family Therapy where, in December 2020, she was honored with the Sister Virginia Rodee USD Administrator of the Year. USD also recognized her leadership in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic crisis as exemplary.
Those who knew her best would say that Melissa’s life was never about Melissa…she was always focused on others’ well-being. It is hard to define whether her commitment to her chosen profession stemmed from her extensive education and brilliant mind or her amazingly pure and giving heart. Perhaps it was the perfect combination of both. It would be very difficult to find an individual who lived life with more intention. Unquestionably, Melissa’s every word, action and emotion were precipitated by thoughtful introspection and in-depth thought. She was a gentle and steady force in the chaos that often erupted around her. Her calm yet confident leadership inspired so many out of darkness, conflict, and doubt.
As a Godmother to two of her nieces and nephews, and beloved Aunt to four more, she defined gentle guidance and support without judgement. They all trusted her with their hearts and relied on her calm kind demeanor to help them navigate life’s obstacles with love and compassion.
Melissa was steadfast in her faith and prioritized time to nourish her soul in reverence and prayer. She loved fiercely and without bounds. Her family, friends and those in need possessed her heart. Melissa gave without hesitation and never sought recognition for her generosity. She was uniquely comfortable in her own skin, not boastful or attention-seeking, but instead she was quietly confident and sure. Her happiness was derived from the non-material things in life, in the simple pleasures: a bright blue sky & breeze, a shared meal with a loved one, a walk on the beach, time/talk with friends & family and being alone with her thoughts. She was wonderfully unique.
The world lost a true light.
Family members each lost a piece of their heart.
Friends lost a confidant and rock.
Co-workers and colleagues lost a leader and friend.
and, Heaven gained a perfect angel.
Melissa is survived by her mother Mary and her three siblings: Kathy, Tom (Karen) and Kristin (Matt), her six nieces and nephews: Tommy, Max, Grace, Abbie, Emmie & Teddy, as well as her dearest confidant and friend.
The family plans to gather and receive friends at a celebration of Melissa’s life sometime in the late fall of 2021.
I am sorry for your loss.
I did not know Dr. Halter, but after reading her beautiful obituary, I wish I had.
She touched many lives, and I am sure her life was touched by many as well.
May she rest in peace.
Job well done!.
When you say Melissa was beloved by every member of our USD family, you are 100% correct. She was observant, kind and positive – a well respected voice of reason to calm and realign people and projects alike. I will miss her smile and words of encouragement.
What an honor to have spent time with her these last few years…her gentle soul will be deeply missed.
Words cannot express my deep sadness and sorrow at Melissa’s passing. She was my neighbor & my friend, and I shall miss not only her smile, her gentle way, and her infectious giggle, but also her very being. She was the best that humanity has to offer—we are lucky indeed that she came into our lives!
May you find peace in knowing she was dearly loved by many………
When I first heard of Melissa’s passing I was both stunned and deeply saddened. I first met her as a young enthusiastic swimmer in one of my competitive swim camps at USD. Little did I know that years later I would be sitting on an interview committee when she applied for a wellness position at USD. In her kind way she reminded me of her attendance at that camp. She also said that from her experience at the camp, she new that USD was a place she would come back to. Through the ensuing years I knew her as both a colleague and eventually as my direct report supervisor. It was during our 1 on 1 meetings that I truly got to know her. Her kindness, caring and openness were only a few of the wonderful personal traits she exhibited. I knew that she was friend to all and one who could be trusted to listen, care and support. One of her parting sayings, “Make sure you take care of you” . Although I have been retired for five years from USD I have carried her saying forward to many others. I am certain that now there is another Angel in heaven and that Angel is taking care of those in need. In our life time we are fortunate when we meet someone as special as Melissa, as they are unique and they light our hearts and soul. May God bring you comfort and peace in knowing she was loved and respected by so many, and although she rests in peace somewhere in heaven, she is taking care of many others up there. My deepest condolences to your family, and all of those who feel her loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember her being a individual with a kind heart. May her family heal from her physical absense.
Heartbreaking!!!! I’m so sad to hear about Melissa! When I think of her it makes me smile! She was always so kind and looked out for me in high school. I remember working with her in student council and swimming. Words can’t express how sorry I am for her loss. I will keep the Halter family in my prayers.
I knew Melissa as an exceptionally capable professional and a perceptive, responsive supervisor. But I will most remember her as a lovely, kind, caring and compassionate person who truly cared for others. Her commitment to USD was inspiring. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family and loved ones.
I’ve known Melissa since she was a graduate student at Northern Arizona University. She was kind, smart, quirky, and caring. In all her interactions she was nurturing, caring, and generous. Melissa wore her heart on her sleeve, always sought to understand the feelings and experiences of others. She was a servant leader who sought God’s heart. Heaven gained an angel. Yet, my soul weeps. Rest in power, Melissa.
I am so shocked and saddened to learn of Melissa’s passing. Melissa was my hall director at NAU and I was an RA who loves working for her. We became very close and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding. She was unique and kind beyond measure. She showed me love and provided peace always. I cannot wait to see her again in Heaven. I am so sorry to all for this very significant loss.
What an incredible tribute to an amazing person. Sending love & condolences to all of the Halters.
I was very sorry to hear of Melissa’s passing…she was a huge part of my 4 years at NAU and I will always remember her kindness!
I have fond memories of being classmates and colleagues with Melissa at Northern Arizona University. Melissa was one of the kindest and gentlest people I knew. She was always a supportive friend. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
I’m so sorry to hear about Melissa passing away. She was truly one of my favorite people at Arcadia High School. Always had a smile on her face and her humor was witty. She had an impressive way of being the perfect balance of kind and strong. She made the world a better place and we are all better for knowing Melissa. May she Rest In Peace.
I met Melissa through Anytown. I was so very impressed with her gentle leadership. In fact, I used to call her our “gentle giant.” When she moved to San Diego I knew she’d be phenomenal. She was way too young and talented to leave this plane.
Prayers and condolences to her family.
I am very sorry for your family’s loss. I knew Melissa only because she was Emmie’s awesome aunt. How could I forget how excited Emmie’s got when her Aunt attended Emmie’s special memories/events at KinderCare. She was certainly a role model in many ways. My deepest condolences again to Kathy, Emmie and the Halter family.
Sincerely
Miss Brandee
My heartfelt condolences to the Halter family. What an outstanding tribute . Wishing you peace to bring comfort, the courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to hold forever in your heart.
Cindy Donati
Dear Halter Klan,
On behalf our family, your Halter cousins, Cindy, Dave, Susan and me, Robin, along with our our Dad- your Uncle Dave, we want to express our heartfelt sympathy and love for you all at the passing of Melissa. Your epitaph was a beautiful window into her life and really described what made her special. With much love, the Halters
Halter Family ,
Melissa was and always will be one of my favorite people. During our PhD program we studied together, wrote our dissertations, and laughed deeply. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Beth
I just heard today about her passing. She was one of my first professors in my graduate program and my direct supervisor at USD during my practicum year. She inspired me to also want to teach and had a significant impact on how I show up with my students. She was always so patient, kind, understanding, and completely dedicated to our profession. Truly soooo sorry to hear that her light is no longer directly with us.