Melissa Steiner: Double Bay Veterinary Clinic vet death, tributes paid
There has been an outpouring of love for a young eastern suburbs vet after her sudden and tragic death. She has been remembered as somebody who was “committed to making this world a better place”.
Wentworth Courier
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Tributes are flowing for a young eastern suburbs veterinarian who died suddenly and unexpectedly.
Melissa Steiner has been remembered as a bright and bubbly young woman who went out her way to help others.
The Californian moved to Sydney several years ago as an international student and decided to stay.
She had worked at Pyrmont Veterinary Clinics and Double Bay Veterinary Clinic.
She was also well known in Sydney’s Jewish community.
Rabbi Eli Feldman of Newtown Shul knew Dr Steiner through his work as university chaplain.
He said she volunteered her time with the Australiasian Union of Jewish Students and Challah for Hunger.
“She would organise these big baking sessions where the students would all come together and bake traditional Jewish bread and then sell it on campus to raise money to alleviate hunger around the world,” Rabbi Feldman said.
“She was someone who was not just a nice person socially but who actually stepped up to take an active role in positive causes.
“I think that’s why there’s such an outpouring of tributes for her – because she was so committed to making this world a better place. These are the things that will continue to live on beyond her short lifetime.”
A loving tribute was posted on the Double Bay Veterinary Clinic Facebook page.
“We had hoped she had found a permanent home with us as a professional family and with the Jewish community she was so proud of here in the eastern suburbs,” the post read.
“Melissa was quiet and caring, considered and evolving. Melissa was an asset to our profession and we are poorer for her loss.”
The post prompted families of the vet practice to reveal how she had touched their lives through her love for their animals.
“Just devastating. My condolences to the team at Pyrmont/Double Bay Vet Clinic and to Dr Melissa’s family,” wrote Sue Vidler.
“Love to her family, such a loss of a bright star,” Elise Cooper added.
The vet clinic was closed on Monday and Tuesday following news of Ms Steiner’s death.