ROCKPORT — Melody Pabst Schubert, of Rockport, died on August 20, 2025, at Breakwater Commons. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Warren, plus two step-brothers and their families in California.

Melody was born in Chicago, the daughter of Otto Pabst, a musician, and Jane Nelson Pabst, an opera soprano who did much to instill in Melody a life-long appreciation for classical music, especially opera. Melody was raised in Des Plains, Illinois, attended Northern Illinois University and Whittier College for undergraduate studies, and later received a Master’s Degree from Laverne College.

After marrying Warren and moving to California, Melody enjoyed a productive career in public education. She spent 38 years teaching elementary and middle school students in the East Whitter City School District, located in Los Angeles County. During this time, Melody also served on the Board of the Los Angeles Opera League.

Melody and Warren loved Maine, vacationed here often, and after retiring purchased a home in Rockport. Melody immediately became a supporter of Bay Chamber Concerts and also of Opera Maine, where again she utilized her administrative skills and classical music expertise as a Board member.

Melody was an avid reader and a wonderful hostess who enjoyed cooking and inviting friends over for dinner parties. Her home was surrounded by extensive gardens which she valiantly protected from an ever increasingly aggressive deer and groundhog population. She was a member of the Rockport Garden Club, and served a term as Co-President of this organization. Melody was an active supporter of the Rockport Garden Club’s annual Holly Berry Fair, where her mother’s knitted scarves were yearly treats. Listening to classical music always remained an important part of her daily life, and she especially enjoyed various conductors and vocalists interpreting specific sections of Handel’s Messiah.

Remembrances in her name may be made to Opera Maine, PO Box 7733, Portland, ME 04112.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

To share a memory or condolence the Melody’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.