Sad news! I’m just learning of Michelle’s passing. I’m shocked & saddened. Belated condolences to Michelle’s family & friends. 💐 I am a friend of Michelle’s from college; we attended ISU together. I have a fond memory or 2 of us - I will cherish the memory of her. Rest in peace, Michelle 💖

I attended high school with Michele.  I was so shocked amd saddened of her passing. She was a beautiful person, inside amd out.  She was a talented spirit.  I always will remember Michele helping me get my first job at a truck driving school.  This news really made me appreciare the fragility of life.

I was stunned when I heard the news of Michele's passing. How could a life so full of energy be gone so quickly? Michelle was the "chorus mom" and so much more for those of us in Steel City Men's Chorus. If something needed doing, she was always right there to volunteer - enthusiastically. She had a knack for finding people who needed help and helping them. Her sense of humor was beyond compare. I am lucky to have known her for many years. She was a fine example of what it means to love people - and how to do it. 

It's hard to believe that Michele is gone. I will remember her for the rest of my life until my dying day - with extreme fondness and gratitude for the extreme good fortune I had in her being part of my life. My friend Kevin Jerrolds, who was also very close to Michele, said it best in a touching elegy posted to Facebook and addressed to Michele, so I am going to borrow his words:"You gave so freely of yourself in so many ways and in so many areas. It is heart-warming and very bittersweet to see so many people from so many places post their love for you on Facebook.You could be exasperating, energizing, endearing, supportive, loving, silly, creative, and hilarious within a span of a minute. There is simply no one like you. If only we could all be as much ourselves as you were.You spent so much time and energy helping Steel City Men's Chorus. And you had a lot of energy!!!! You offered to jump in, jump up, jump out, and help do just about anything. At times you were our props girl, our costume lady, our gopher, our actress, our dancer, our unpaid stagehand, our choreographer, our snack and water girl, our production manager, our curtain puller, our singer, and you were always our stage mom. You did so many big and little things for us. We will miss you so very much. I can’t believe that our 'Hurricane Michele' has blown away…Thank you for so many small and large things. Thank you for the superhero face masks you made me during the pandemic. Thanks for your sweet and thoughtful Christmas cards. Thanks for your antics at my parties.Thanks for being an example of how to love people whether you knew them for a minute or for a lifetime.Thank you for being my friend.Love to your 'mini-me' and the rest of your family. Your chosen family will miss you terribly."

I had the privilege to meet and chat with Michele only a few times. Each of those times has always been a   pleasant experience. Michele was soft spoken and may I add amiable, easy to talk to and charming.                   My deepest condolences to Gigi, her wonderful Mother, Tabita, her lovely daughter, and Forest  who always showed his love  and concern for all in the family.      Sincerely, Vito Bertucci