Avondale House Remembers Michele

This note was sent to Michele's co-workers and friends at Avondale House by Barbara.


Michele was our valued colleague and dear friend. For thirteen years, she battled cancer, with the support of her loving family and friends and through her own personal fortitude and determination. Through it all, Michele maintained her classic sense of humor and amazing intellect.

We were all blessed to have Michele in our lives. She was passionate about autism, about Avondale House, and about improving the lives of children with autism and their families. She made a difference in countless lives. Yet, she considered herself so fortunate to have been able to do the work that she loved for her entire career.

As passionate as she was about making a difference in the lives of children with autism, she was even more dedicated and committed to her family. Pictures of Cameron and Alison adorned her desk and her pride in them was evident. I know that we will all keep Jim, Cameron, and Alison, Michele’s father Dale , her brother Steve and sister, Sherry, and their families and Michele’s many friends in our thoughts and prayers.

As we all grieve the loss of this wonderful friend, co-worker, and professional, I hope that we can also celebrate Michele’s life and what she meant to each of us. She will be missed in so many ways and for so many reasons, but her spirit and the gifts she gave to those whose lives she touch, will remain.