Melanie Ashman Baird
NEWTON - Melanie Ashman Baird of Akron, Ohio, passed away at her home in Newton, Massachusetts on February 16th. She was 73. Described by friends and family as a force of nature with an infectious laugh, she led an extraordinary life.
Born in Lakewood, Ohio, to Muriel W. and Raymond D. Ashman Jr., she grew up in Akron, attending Firestone High School and making enduring friendships. She went to Stephens College for dance and then, after marrying George Thomas, she transferred to the University of Maryland before becoming an elementary school teacher in Ohio upon graduation.
After separating from George, she met and embarked on a remarkable journey with her second husband, J. Randall Baird, helping to found JRB Company, Inc., a manufacturing company based in Akron. But as she aged, Melanie’s energy turned to matters spiritual and personal. She discovered meditation and became a certified instructor. She traveled the world–India, Peru, Japan, Netherlands, Hawaii, Sedona, Coastal California, to name a few— on a quest of self-discovery, making close friends on the way.
Despite her travels, she found creative expression most deeply in her home. With a keen eye, she re-envisioned her living space, transforming the family home, a 1920’s Tudor in Fairlawn Heights, into one of the finest examples in Akron. She also became a fierce advocate for women’s rights, chairing the board of the Akron chapter of Planned Parenthood and volunteering in shelters for victims of domestic violence. She was a devoted supporter of the International Campaign for Tibet.
In her final chapter, she became the doting grandma, “Nonnie,” and a source of wise counsel to her friends. She discovered the world of classical music through her dear friend, Eric Benjamin, and served on the board of Urban Troubadour. She made a final move to Newton, Massachusetts to be close to her daughter, Elizabeth and four of her grandchildren.
She is survived by her sister, Pamela J. Monroe, three children, James R. Baird Jr., Jared C. Baird, and Elizabeth B. Hamblin, and her seven grandchildren, Reese B., Jack B., Clara H., Evie H., Reeva B., Baird H. and Ashman H..