Dr. Melanie Ellexson

Dr. Melanie T. Ellexson, age 75, passed away on October 30, 2021, in her family home in Naperville, Illinois.

Melanie is survived by her husband, Gary Ellexson of Naperville IL; her children, Tom (Karen) Ellexson of Roanoke VA and James (Susanna) Ellexson of Bolingbrook IL; her grandchildren, Sarah Fleener, Rylee Ellexson, Madeline Ellexson, Aiden Ellexson, Sawyer Ellexson, Kennedy Ellexson; and her great grandchild, John Waknic. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gene R. Thomas and Jacqueline R. Thomas, of Indianapolis IN.

Melanie was born on May 31, 1946, in Indianapolis, IN, to parents Gene R Thomas and Jacqueline R. Thomas. Melanie T Ellexson received her bachelor’s in occupational therapy, University of Illinois, her MBA, Keller Graduate school of Business Management (1990) and her Doctorate of Health Science, from the University of Indianapolis in (2007). Melanie was an expert and Pioneer in Industrial rehabilitation, Ergonomics and has published and provided continuing education in these areas for many years. She was an Associate Professor at CSU and GSU for over 20 years sharing her knowledge and training the next generation of Occupational Therapists.

Melanie has numerous service awards from AOTA and from ILOTA including the Lifetime Achievement Award from ILOTA (2016). She has been a leader in the industry with a list of accomplishments including: President of the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association, Chair of the Business and Industry Special Interest Section, Treasurer of AOTA, has held various volunteer positions on the Council on Practice and as an alternate for Illinois in the RA, AOTA representative to the National Safety Council Medical Section and on the Committee to Establish Ergonomic standards.

Melanie was a social, active woman who enjoyed needlepoint, book clubs, water aerobics, fine dining, travel, diet coke and shopping. She was dedicated to her family, friends and her students. She will be remembered as a generous, giving and loving woman who would go out of her way to help and mentor those in need.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 , at Colonial Chapel, 15525 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem), Orland Park, IL 60462 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. A live-stream of the service will be available. Please visit Melanie's obituary on Colonial Chapel's website at colonialchapel.com to view the live-stream of the service. A reception will follow at Gatto’s Italian Restaurant, 1938 East Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox IL 60451. James Ellexson (son) will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Melanie’s life.

Below is the video recording of Dr. Melanie Ellexson's Memorial Service



Below is a video tribute celebrating Dr. Melanie's life.



The family has set up the Dr. Melanie T. Ellexson Memorial Scholarship Fund for aspiring Occupational Therapy students. Please visit her web page at https://www.drmelanietellexsonmemorialscholarshipfund.com to make a donation in lieu of sending flowers.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400