Elvie Guy
I happened across the news of Michele’s passing when I saw her name on a Northeast High School alumni list and decided to look for her contact info, and shockingly, her obituary appeared in the search. What a loss to this earth, and far too soon. Michele was a delight – I met her well over 50 years ago, when she and her parents moved to St. Petersburg from Buffalo and she enrolled in the 6th grade at Holy Family Catholic School. She was intelligent, thoughtful and caring. I remember one day after classes we were on the playground when a poor family drove up to seek help from the church. While they were inside, Michele collected every coin she could get her hands on and quietly dropped them in the car through the backseat window and then quickly left before they could return. Michele’s caring side did sometimes put a strain on her though – I also remember the Friday “Girls vs. Boys” math chalkboard competition we were put through every week of the 7th grade. Michele was the star girls’ competitor, but the poor thing would worry endlessly the night before because she didn’t want to disappoint her team. And she never did – I don’t recall her losing once!
I also have very fond memories of her parents, as they had a way of including the kids and listening to their opinions. I was lucky enough to be invited on a summer weekend trip with the family to Sanibel Island and it was a great time. I also remember that the family frequently went to the movies, seeing just about every new release the first week. As a result, Michele’s celebrity crushes were a bit more sophisticated than the average pre-teen’s – she was enamored with Kris Kristofferson and Tom Laughlin when others her age were falling over David Cassidy and Donny Osmond.
I’m very sorry I waited too long to try to get back in touch with Michele, that is my loss. However, the memories she left us are a true lasting gift that will hold us until we are all reunited.
