"Dedicated
to Health Insurance for College Students".
Dear Family, Friends and
Colleagues,
Thank you for coming to celebrate Michelle’s
Life with us. Michelle entered this world on
December 20, 1982 at 5:35 p.m. – such
a short time ago. From the minute she was born,
anyone who met her loved her. You could not
help but love her from the start. She had a
beautiful smile that was genuine and sincere
and once you met her you were hooked. As a little
girl she was very social and happy. Her love
for animals, family and friends was evident
all the time. She ended her conversations with,
“I Love You” and if you were face
to face she would give you a hug and a kiss.
While in public school she was not sure what
she wanted to do with her life. She loved children,
especially those who most would consider challenging.
She found her calling when she became a childhood
studies major at PSU. Working with children
is what she did best. She took everything she
did seriously, but did not take herself seriously.
When she was doing mock job interview with
Dr. Marianne True at PSU, I heard that she looked
so professional. Her makeup and hair were flawless,
her clothes and shoes were impeccable –
except for one thing. Michelle had on a bright
yellow pair of tweety bird socks.
Marianne made a comment and Michelle said,
“Oh don’t worry; they will love
them!” Michelle wanted to be known as
the teacher who loved cats and wore goofy socks.
She always celebrated everyone else’s
achievements. Whether it was someone’s
engagement, new job, graduation, new baby, wedding,
new car or anything else that was important,
Michelle made sure they knew how special it
was. When she graduated from high school and
college, she carefully picked out very special
gifts for her friends. This summer, even though
she was very ill she hosted a bridal shower
at our home for one of her coworkers and was
devastated she could not attend the bridal shower
of another.
During her final admission to the hospital
she asked her nurse to bring her down to the
gift shop so she could buy her Dad a birthday
present.
Throughout her illness Michelle continued to
teach us how to deal with adversity with grace,
dignity, courage, strength, determination and
a positive attitude. She always put everyone
else before herself. When she confirmed with
us that she was going to die she made plans
and promises. She wants all her clothes and
stuffed animals donated to those in need. She
wants for us to give away her personal belongings
with thought, be there for one another, don’t
let what has been built so far to fall down,
and continue to live life with happiness. And
no crying allowed.
Glen and Michael, she knew you loved her. And
her love for you was seen by others. Kenny and
the Surrette family: your love for Michelle
was apparent, as was hers for you. Thank you
for making her so happy. To Nan & Pop, Pop,
her aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, anyone
who took care of her - especially the staff
the New Hampshire Oncology Hematology and the
nurses on the king unit at the Elliot Hospital
- she was so grateful for all you did for her.
She did not want to be any trouble. She loved
all of you so much.
Michelle taught us about life’s lessons:
If obstacles bring you down, let determination
bring you up. In dreams and love there are no
impossibilities. Live well, love much, laugh
often. Live and be happy.
I know that I have been using the past tense
when talking about Michelle. Even though Michelle
will not be physically with us, she will continue
to have a presence and impact on our lives.
We will always picture her big smile and how
her eyes sparkled. We will continue to have
beautiful memories of her and how she did not
give up the fight. Her legacy will live on with
Michelle’s Law. She will continue to touch
our lives everyday. We will never forget her.
Her IM Screen name, shelle978, may be offline,
but know that she is watching over all of us
and wanting us to be happy. If she had an away
message it would read: Some people come into
our lives and quickly go, others leave footprints
on our hearts and we are never, ever the same.
You all left a footprint on her heart as well
as she left a footprint on our hearts…
for which we will never be the same.
Thank you for being a part of Michelle’s
life. As a part of her life you are a part of
ours.
Michelle will continue to touch and change
the lives of so many – something most
of us will never do after 80 years on this planet
– with Michelle’s Law.
Rest In Peace, baby, and until we meet again.
We love you!!!!!!! You are a hero!!!!!
And we will keep your memory and legacy alive.
