Michelle Ann Freeze

Although Michelle Freeze faced many challenges in her life, she never complained never once asked, Why me? Instead, she regarded each day as a gift, and lived with grace, compassion, and joy. She was a truly generous woman, who gave of whatever she had, and always had time for a friend or family member in need. Michelles strength of spirit and kindness of heart were an inspiration to all those who knew her; she touched many hearts, and will be deeply missed. Michelle was born in the last year of the 1950s, a decade dominated by clashes between capitalism and communism as well as the Race to Space. Young Michelle came into the world on July 9, 1959, sharing her birth year with the creation of Mattels Barbie Doll, the addition of Alaska and Hawaii to the United States, and the invention of the microchip. Michelles proud parents, Richard L. and Shirley S. (Heigley) Freeze, raised their family in the village of Shepherd, Michigan. Richard earned a living by working at Dow Chemical, while Shirley was a homemaker. Michelle never lacked for playmates growing up: in addition to her siblings Michael, Mark, and Marlene there were many children that lived in their neighborhood. The Freeze children were on good terms with the neighborhood kids, and spent many happy hours playing outdoors. Responsible and hardworking, Michelle earned spending money as a teenager by babysitting what seemed like almost every kid in the neighborhood! She attended classes at Shepherd High School, and enjoyed playing her clarinet in the school band. Upon graduating from high school in 1977, Michelle immediately joined the staff of the Tendercare Nursing Home. She started out as a nurses aide, and throughout the years worked her way up through the ranks, eventually working as a social worker in admissions. In addition to caring for patients at the nursing home, Michelle also became the unofficial caretaker in her own family. She provided loving care for her parents as they aged, and also for her brother, who is mentally impaired. When her sister Marlene was diagnosed with cancer and had to go through chemotherapy, it was Michelle who accompanied Marlene to the hospital and kept her company. As Michelles brother Mark liked to say, Michelle wasnt a tooth on the gear she was the shaft connected to the gear. Michelle met the love of her life, Mike Armola, at the Tendercare nursing home. They had very different personalities, and were living proof of the adage opposites attract. Michelle and Mike shared a loving and committed relationship for seven years, until Mikes death four years ago. Although Michelle loved her work at the nursing home, poor health forced her to retire in 2007. Michelle enjoyed traveling in her retirement years, especially to places like Frankenmuth, Michigan. She also loved getting together with her family members, and looked forward to the holidays. A wonderful cook, Michelle hosted the Thanksgiving celebration each year for her whole family. Cooking was one of the greatest passions of Michelles life, and she never tired of trying new dishes and watching shows on the cooking channel. Recently, the family had gathered at Michelles house every other Thursday for a family dinner, realizing how important family is in these busy times. Michelle loved being an aunt, and was very close to her nieces and nephews. In her free time, Michelle was never happier than when curled up with a good book. Not long ago, Mark gave Michelle a laptop, and she loved learning to use the new technology. The Internet gave her a platform to connect to friends and family, people whom for health reasons she was unable to reach out to in person. An optimist who delighted in others good fortune, Michelle also enjoyed watching Who Wants to be a Millionaire on a daily basis. Selfless, generous, and uncomplaining, Michelle was a devoted caretaker, a loving sister, daughter, aunt, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members. Michelle A. Freeze died on February 18, 2013, at the age of 53. Michelles family includes her father, Richard Freeze of Mt. Pleasant; her siblings, Michael Freeze at home, Mark (Terri) Freeze of Mt. Pleasant, and Marlene (fianc, David Yarger Jr.) Freeze of Sears; and her nieces and nephew, Alexis, Megan, Benjamin, and Zoey. She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley; her stillborn brother, Jeffrey; and her significant other, Mike Armola. Michelles memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 22, at Maranatha Baptist Church, 1526 Airway Dr., Mt. Pleasant, with Assistant Pastor Alex Weatherbee officiating. The family will receive friends at Lux Family Funeral Home, 2300 S. Lincoln Rd., on Thursday from 3-7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please visit Michelles personal memory page at www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.