LYNN — In the week after the tragic death of Melissa Bagley, the community has rallied to raise tens of thousands of dollars for her family.
Two funds have been made in Bagley’s name to support her family after the mother of four’s death. A GoFundMe in her name received more than 900 donations, raising nearly $80,000 to support the family in the wake of her loss.
“You will always be remembered, Melissa, for your kindness and smile. You brought light to everyone around you,” one donation to the GoFundMe from Maureen Sullivan read. “Rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.”
“I have very fond memories of working with Melissa and one thing that always stood out was how much she loved her children and how hard she worked. Praying for your family,” another GoFundMe donation, signed with the name Esther, read.
Bagley was the wife of Everett Police Lt. Sean Bagley, who was a former Lynn Police officer. She was the mother of Lynn Police officer Brendan Powicki, Riley Bagley, Alannah Bagley, and Jonathan Bagley.
A fund was established at Everett Co-operative Bank by the Everett Police Department, with proceeds going to Bagley’s family.
“We’re just trying to take the edge off a little bit and let (Sean Bagley) know he has some support,” Everett Police Chief Steven Mazzie said. “There’s not a whole bunch you can do. In the meantime, these funds are helpful to keep the family going.”
Mazzie said the Melissa Bagley Memorial Fund, which was set up late last week, has received interest from donors across the country, but he did not know how much has been raised for it so far.
“It’s a tragic loss,” Mazzie said. “If (people) want to do something, this is a little token. We don’t care how big or small people want to contribute, but it’s something that will help them out with the overall expense associated with a large family like that.”
Donations to the fund can be mailed to or dropped off at Everett Co-Operative Bank at 419 Broadway in Everett.
According to her obituary, Melissa Bagley was raised in Lynn and Swampscott and attended Aborn Elementary School and St. Pius V School, as well as Swampscott High School.
Melissa Bagley was the owner and CEO of the Euphoria Esthetics Day Spa in Swampscott for many years and was a member of the Swampscott Chamber of Commerce. She also served as the costume director for the drama club at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Lynnfield and volunteered for Wyoma Little League.
The 44-year-old drowned last week while attempting to save her 10-year-old son, who had fallen into rough waters at Franconia Falls in Lincoln, N.H.
Melissa Bagley’s visiting hours will be at Solimine Funeral Home Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. Her funeral will be held Thursday at 8:30 a.m., with a funeral mass to follow at St. John the Evangelist Church in Swampscott at 10 a.m.
