Melissa Beth (Sanders) Hasty

Brunswick - Melissa Beth (Sanders) Hasty, 50, passed away at home on September 28, 2024 surrounded by family, friends and love.  Melissa was born in Albany on September 14, 1974 to John and Kathleen (Mahar) Sanders.  She attended Brittonkill schools, graduating from Tamarac High School in 1992. Melissa continued her education at Hudson Valley Community College, thereafter earning her bachelor’s degree at SUNY Cortland, masters degree at Russell Sage College, and School District Leader certificate at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.  Her education prepared her to become a lifelong educator of children, serving as a pre-kindergarten teacher in Troy and then a kindergarten teacher at School 20 in the City School District of Albany. Melissa’s passion for teaching led to her to become the Director of Early Childhood Education for the City School District of Albany for sixteen years, a commitment to which she remained dedicated until her final days. She truly excelled in that role, leading her to be awarded the City of Albany School District Crystal Apple Award and the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children’s Champions for Children Award for Early Education in 2019.

Melissa was known for always putting others first, her love of family and her smile. She cherished family trips to North Myrtle Beach, Dewey Beach and Seattle, girls’ trips to any ocean, Sunday family dinners, marathon shopping trips, summer kick-off camping with friends, crime dramas, the Grateful Dead and the literature of Eric Carle. She loved everything Disney and nothing made Melissa happier than the season of Christmas. She started playing Christmas music in October and looked forward to her family’s annual cookie bake during which everyone wore new aprons made by her mom, Kathy.  The magic of Christmas also led Melissa to meet her once in a lifetime love and soulmate, Andy.  They met at a work Christmas party and attended a performance of A Christmas Carol on their first date. That night ended with Melissa and Andy making a cardboard and tin foil star to put on top of Andy’s tiny Charlie Brown Christmas tree.  From that night on, they were inseparable, and that star topped every Christmas tree they ever had together.

Melissa and Andy created a home of unparalleled love into which they welcomed and cherished their daughter, Allison Grace, and son, Tyler Andrew.  Melissa’s love of her children was truly her superpower. She tirelessly and fiercely loved and protected them, and advocated to make sure that they were each permitted to flourish. Allie is Melissa’s mini-me in every way including pursuing her own path in the education field. Melissa’s compassion and concern for others is seen every day in Tyler.  Melissa loved watching Allie’s volleyball games and Tyler’s hockey and soccer games and was a proud supporter of Hi-5 Sports. 

Melissa is survived by her husband of twenty-four years, L. Andrew Hasty, daughter Allison Hasty and son Tyler Hasty, all of Brunswick; her parents, John and Kathleen Sanders of Brunswick; brother, sister-in-law and nephew, Jeffrey, Robyn and Dylan Sanders of Loudonville; mother-in-law, Fayette Hasty, of Verona, NY; brothers-in-law Charles (Elaine “Pip”) Hasty of Horseheads, NY; Ross (Susan) Hasty of Arcadia, FL; Douglas (Elaine) Hasty of Sherrill, NY; Michael Carpenter (Kristy) of Milan, IN, many nieces and nephews; and her favorite student and “surrogate son,” Alon Harris, of Albany.  She is predeceased by her father-in-law, Ronald Hasty, and her grandparents.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Melissa’s loved ones on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 3pm to 6pm at Bryce Funeral Home, Inc., 276 Pawling Ave., Troy, NY.

In Melissa’s memory, plant a sunflower, feed hummingbirds, watch fireworks and hold your loved ones close.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Melissa may be made to High-5 Sports, https://www.hi5sports.org/donate/. “Lovin’ you” forever Liss.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melissa Beth (Sanders) Hasty, please visit our floral store.