Mayra Melendez, 56, passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 29, 2016. We are all in disbelief and saddened by her death. Mayra was born in Santurce, PR and grew up in Bayamon, PR until she moved to Ridgewood, NY in 1982 with her mother, Mandy and brother Tomas.  She graduated from Hunter College and became a NY police officer in 1984. Mayra was a trailblazer for women in the police force, quickly rising in the ranks to become a detective and earning the respect of the police force and NY mayors she worked for throughout her long, distinguished career. Mayra left the police force in 2004 and dedicated her life to her family and friends, selflessly helping others. She is survived by her loving husband Blad of 18 years, her brother Tomas Melendez, and sisters, Lynette and Nilka and brother, Tomas Igor Melendez. She was predeceased by her parents, Amanda Avila del Balle and Tomas Melendez Gonzalez, both of whom resided in Puerto Rico. Reposing Monday October 10, 2016 at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home 6110 Riverdale Ave. Bronx, NY 10471. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday October 11, 2016 at St. Margaret of Cortona Church 6000 Riverdale Ave, Bronx. Committal to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.