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In memory of
Michelle Leota Souligney
May 23, 1951 - May 27, 2020
May 23, 1951 - May 27, 2020
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Michelle's obituary
Born, May 23, 1951 in Memphis, Tennessee to Mitchel and Roberta Souligney. Shellee lived her 69 years full of adventure, laughter, and love. Shellee spent her childhood growing up in suburban Detroit. Her family relocated to Pittsburgh, PA when she was in her teens. After graduating from Baldwin High School in 1969 she started nursing school and established her lifelong passion for the medical field.
A reconnection with her high school sweetheart, Chris Smith, would alter their lives with the announcement of marriage, and the birth of a baby girl. They chose to start their family in Fairbanks, Alaska for Chris to complete his undergraduate work. A couple of years later, in the spirit of the 1970s, this little family hitchhiked from Alaska to British Columbia, to begin graduate studies. While in BC, they welcomed a son and rounded out their family of four. Shellee and family relocated back to Alaska and although she and Chris chose to not stay married, they worked hard to maintain a lifelong friendship for the sake of their children. She remained close to and was even considered a member of Chris’s family throughout her life.
To pursue a career in Radiology, Shellee joined the Air Force and served with duty and honor. As her children grew, she relocated back to the Detroit area and worked hard to ensure her kids had a happy life full of love, laughter, and a strong sense of home. In her final years, she relocated to Saline, MI to be closer to her son’s family.
Those who knew Shellee as a friend or family will remember her as fiercely loyal to those she loved, extremely witty, an animal lover, a green thumb, and a talented home decorator. Shellee’s passing leaves an unfillable void in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed but we will continue to find her in bird songs, lilac bushes, Joni Mitchell songs, ice-cold martinis, a devious twinkle in grandkids eyes, a stroll through Eastern Market, antique shopping, and pet snuggles.
She is remembered in love by her daughter, Heather Gardner, her spouse Thomas (who Shellee lovingly called “T-Bone”), and their children Jack and Anna. Her son, Eryn Smith, his spouse Deana, and their children Ayden and Colin. Daughter Bernadine (Bernie) Schwegman, her spouse Ben, and their children Tom and Eleanor. As well as her Best Friend, Mark Stern.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network through this memorial page.
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$625.00
Raised by 11 people
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Recent contributions
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a gift to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
$625.00
Raised by 11 people
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
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Created with love by
Eryn Smith (Michelle's mother).
