Ms. Melinda "Mindy" Pruyne

Melinda “Mindy” Pruyne, passed away at the age of 61 on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 after a long battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Pittsfield on August 15, 1963, to Peter Granville Pruyne and the late Margaret Mary Pruyne (Dolan), Mindy was a deeply loved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Mindy grew up in Lenox, graduating from Lenox Memorial High School in 1981. She went on to receive an Associate’s Degree from Berkshire Community College, followed by a decades-long professional career at Guardian Life Insurance Company in the underwriting department, where she worked her way up to become the Manager of Underwriting Operations, Quality, and Training. Throughout her childhood and teen years, Mindy was a talented dancer, training at the Canterella School of Dance. Her passion and love for ballet continued through her entire life. She loved to attend the Albany Berkshire Ballet’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker” with her nieces, Elyssa and Carly, and the summer dance festival at Jacob’s Pillow, of which she was an annual donor. Mindy was a generous, hardworking, and incredibly intelligent woman. The simplest pleasures in life brought her great joy, like her daily walks with her chocolate lab Bailey, or going out to eat with her two nieces, whom she loved and adored, and who equally adored her. She lived an active lifestyle and loved to go on yearly summer vacations to Ogunquit, ME and Cape Cod with her nieces. Mindy was predeceased by her mother, Margaret Pruyne in 1995, and her brother Patrick Pruyne in 2010. She is survived by her father, Peter Pruyne, her sister, Carolyn Holmes, and nieces Elyssa and Carly Holmes. Additionally, by her uncle Lt. Col. Kermit Pruyne USAF, aunt Jean Smyser, aunt Kathleen Costello, and nephews Jefferson and Matthew Pruyne, as well as many cousins and extended family. Funeral Notice: Calling hours for Melinda “Mindy” Pruyne will be Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4pm to 6pm at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home in Pittsfield, 220 East Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. A memorial service at the funeral home will be Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11am. Flowers are welcome, but if a donation is preferred, please make them to Jacob’s Pillow Performing Arts Center.

Ms. Melinda "Mindy" Pruyne

August 15, 1963 - January 29, 2025