Emmanuella ,you will be greatly missed by many. I know I will miss our many talks about our Catholic faith and our sicilian heritage. You were so proud of both. It Will not be the same sharing my experiences and thoughts about being Catholic and Sicilian with anyone else. I remember the many incidences where God just took care of you. Like the time you took your dog to the Vet and you couldn't afford the expensive bill . A man in the waiting room took care of the bill. God sent that your way . You gave to your church by singing in the choir , being part of the Light of the World group , teaching and preparing children for their first communion, many Bible studies, and volunteering in the Italian booth for the carnivals. You cared about your friends at church and the priests like father Eaton . I went to many church events because of you. Thanksgiving dinner, Saint Patrick's day dancing , parties, and your favorite Club Italia where we enjoyed and Italian feast , music and dancing. You were so proud to be a part of so many activities at Saint John Udes. Your spark will be there in spirit. You always looked nice and dressed for the occasion. You welcomed everyone.

I was inspired by how proud of your heritage you were . We had so many things in common with our sicilian backgrounds. I prayed often that you would visit Sicily/Italy . One day you will because nothing is impossible with God . We all enjoyed you when you came to our family functions in San Pedro . . 

Emmsnuella you were so strong doing the job of a caregiver, taking care of your dog, setting up social events like your fun birthday parties on the day of your birthday. Emmsnuella was a woman who did not let obstacles get her way. She would drive down to San Pedro to watch an Italian band play , drive to Saint Peter's for her beloved Saint Joseph's table and/or a celebration of Columbus day. If she couldn't be with her family like she really wished on a holiday then she would often find a fun event like going to a dance at the Wilkinson's center, get the group to go to Sage Brush Cantina, and learn how to play cards with some friends at the Portos bakery She was unstoppable. She always welcomed others to the group even if they weren't as friendly as her. I am sure many envied your determination, your activeness and your friendliness. Sometimes life was tough on Emmanuella like it is for most of us but Emmanuella always pulled through it and still knew how to enjoy life. 

Emmsnuella, mancherai moltissimo a tanti. Riposa nell’amore e nella pace del tuo Signore.

Condolences to Emmanuella's family, especially  niece,  Andrea & nephew, Robert.  I'm sure they will take care of everything, sooner or later.  She has had a bit of difficulty along the way, but  then again, who hasn't?  She also has a lot of friends & acquaintances.  She lived a prayerful life, & helped others in as much as, possible.  Including me, as a friend, she was always there.  It's been difficult these past two years, or so.

I always tried to be a respectful good friend to her, as she was to me.  She was proud of both Andrea, as well as Robert & Robert, Jr.   She was happy that they made good choices for themselves.  Especially,  Natalina, Andrea's daughter, Wella was very fond of her. She loved children & even taught Catechism at St. John Eudes temporarily as a Volunteer.

May the Lord be with her in the afterlife, & reward her for her goodness & kindness to others.

Tina

Friend & Confidante

Posted on behalf of "Tina":

Michelle was actually my best friend for about 34 years. She was cheerful, bright, and loved Malibu, CA as I did. We both loved the beach and used to visit there off and on for many years. We went to lots of events in Malibu, such as, Art Festivals, Chili Cookoffs, Farmers Market, etc. She was one of my dearest friends of all! She was with me through tough or easy times, including the Covid epidemic.

She visited every birthday, except maybe one or two for 34 years. She was a sincere friend. She would bring me a card to cheer me up, regardless of circumstance, such as pet deaths or the death of my partner in 1999 in Malibu. He met her & thought she would be a good friend for me indefinitely. They just don't come as great a friend as her!

Every holiday, we had an agreement if nobody had a place to go for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, or July 4th we would meet and go to a parade , or social event. In 34 years, she always had somewhere to visit including her family get togethers with Bobby or Andrea. She even invited me to Bobby's first wedding, about 200 guests. One of the loveliest weddings I've ever seen!

Michelle will be greatly missed! One of the only people I know that was always available through life's troubles and triumphs. She sang in the church choirs at Our Lady of Malibu and St John Eudes. She always invited me to concerts at the church or San Fernando Museum to listen to Frank Sinatra tunes. She represented the finest of Sicilian ancestry. I learned both Italian and even a bit of Spanish from her as they stayed in Mexico occasionally, since her mother ran a Seafood business of some sort. I met her mother, shortly after I met her in Malibu!

They had a georgeous home in Malibu until her mother's passing away in 1992. Her mother was fiesty, smart, and knew how to run a business.

I even met Marie L., her sister, and went to her funeral at St Elizabeth's in the San Fernando Valley. Michelle always included me, almost as a part of her family . Including new births, such as Natale, Andrea's daughter. As well as Robert Jr (Tito),Bobby's son, such as, baptisms, etc.

We even went to see Andy Garcia, actor, together. We both loved music as my Uncle Ben LaFevre was a professional singer in Las Vegas, for at least five years. He performed at the Sahara and Caesar's Palace. Then both of us returned to Denver or Brighton, CO. Michelle and I listened to his CD's at get togehers or parties. She would follow me wherever I relocated, either Malibu or Camarillo, CA.

I relocated to Denver in November 2024, it was a difficult decision because of really good friends like Michelle. She was proud of her Siciilian ancestry & told me lots about her family, including living in New York before Malibu.

Believe me, I will miss her greatly!! She toughtened me up for the rocky road ahead. May God Bless her with the love she gave others. She helped others, though occasionally, needing help herself. Her family was always there for her including both Bobby & Andrea. Unfortunately, it was difficult after the mother's passing away.

Love and regards,

Christina (Tina) Garcia

Michelle's friend & Confidante