Melissa Bagley died helping to save Jonathan Bagley from drowning, Lincoln, New Hampshire, August 15, 2023. Jonathan, 10, fell from an exposed rock near a hiking trail into a deep pool of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River and struggled to stay above the surface in the swirling, cold water. The swift current from Franconia Falls upstream flowed into the pool. Jonathan’s mother, Bagley, 44, immediately entered the water, along with his 18- year-old brother. Both his mother and brother submerged and resurfaced as they grasped Jonathan and pushed him toward a rock, where Jonathan’s sister and the brother’s partner helped Jonathan exit the water. While the brother held onto a rock in the water, the current had carried Bagley downstream, where Jonathan’s father – Bagley’s husband – found her against a rock. He attempted CPR, but Bagley was unresponsive. Jonathan’s father then moved to the pool and created a makeshift rope to pull Jonathan’s brother out of the water. Through text messaging, Jonathan’s sister alerted first-responders, who later took Jonathan and his brother to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. They were released that night. Emergency crews responded and recovered Bagley; she had drowned.
2025-0000083-10535Obituary
Melissa D. (Resse) Bagley, age 44, of Lynn and formerly of Swampscott, died on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, following a tragic accident while on vacation with her family. She was a vibrant soul taken far too soon. She was the loving and devoted wife of Sean M. Bagley (Lt. EPD) with whom she shared over 19 years of marriage. The bond between Sean and Melissa was rare and unbreakable, a testament to the depth of their enduring love. Born in Salem, in 1979, she was the beloved and cherished daughter of Brenda Resse of Lynn. She was raised in Lynn and Swampscott, attended Aborn Elementary School, St. Pius V School and Swampscott High School. She later went on to study cosmetology and esthetics at Elizabeth Grady and was the former owner and CEO of the renowned Euphoria Esthetics Day Spa in Swampscott for many years. Although Melissa’s professional achievements were extraordinary, her family came before all and her greatest joy was being a mother. She was always the first to volunteer at her children’s activities and went above and beyond to ensure not only her children felt supported, but all of their team members, classmates and friends, as evident in her time serving as costume director for the drama club at Our Lady of the Assumption School, Lynnfield, and volunteering for Wyoma Little League. Melissa was the ultimate Hockey, Baseball and Horse Show Mom and was so very proud of her children and their accomplishments. She was an avid gardener, member of the Swampscott Chamber of Commerce and parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church, Swampscott.
In addition to her husband Sean and mother Brenda, Melissa is survived by her adoring children, Brendan Powicki (LPD) and his fiancé Alison Frazee, Riley Bagley, Alannah Bagley and Jonathan Bagley; her loving sisters, Kamelon “Kammy” Stevens and her husband Mike and Paige Nadolna; her nieces and nephews, Connor, Joshua, Owen and Kadence Stevens and Danny, Luke and Maria Bagley; her mother in-law Mary Bagley and her late husband John; her sister-in-law Maura Bagley and brother-in-law Daniel Bagley and his wife Maryanne along with her aunt, uncles, cousins, close friends and beloved fur babies, Tucker and Charlie and grand fur baby Oakley. She was predeceased by her grandparents Francis “Frank” and Bettyann (Wormstead) Resse and her uncle Scott Resse.
While her physical presence has left a void, Melissa’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. Her infectious warmth, generosity, and lively nature made her a source of comfort and inspiration to all. She had the remarkable ability to offer unwavering support, guidance, and uplifting words to all who crossed her path.