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Michelle Yannes Obituary
Our beloved sister, Aunt and daughter has just ended her long battle to cancer to start a new journey on April 24, 2011. She was 44. She came into this world on August 28,1966 in West Hurley, New York. She lived a wonderful full life in Connecticut and New York with her family and friends that she loved dearly. She recently moved to Scottsdale, Arizona to be closer to her brother and sister's families. Michelle graduated from New Fairfield High School, New Fairfield, CT in 1984, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA with a BA in Mass Communications in 1988 and Columbia University, Graduate School of Journalism with a MA in Journalism in 1998. In her professional career she worked as a Project Manager/Producer for Sunburst Media and at the time of death as a Senior Technology Editor/Producer for McGraw-Hill Companies in New York City. She has obtained many awards for her editorial work through her career. Michelle loved life and lived it to the fullest everyday. She loved to travel, the Arts, fine cooking, gardening, was an avid reader, and loved spending countless hours with her family and friends. Her father, Lawrence R. Yannes Sr. preceded her in death. She is survived by her mother, Olive Jean, sister Catherine Schoonmaker, husband Richard, brother Lawerence R. Yannes, Jr., wife Suzie, two nephews, Matthew and Patrick Schoonmaker. She will be missed on earth but her spirit will shine as the brightest star of the night sky. Look up always, she'll be looking down at you. All contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to: Halo Animal Rescue, 5231 North 35th Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85017. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Saturday April 30, 2011 at 10am at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, Scottsdale, Arizona.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michelle Yannes
Kenny Perry
April 23, 2019
I've had a few neighbors since Michelle transitioned to Arizona and then ultimately her heavenly home. Only one has been as sweet and kind as Michelle. Her gentle spirit and warm personality continue to be missed. She'll never be forgotten.
Gail Benedict ~ Pacheco
May 19, 2011
I just found out of Michelle's passing. We had so much fun working at JCP together. We also shared many Emmaus weekends as well. Such a beatiful person, always smiling, always sharing and a great love for the Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with all her family and friends. The sky glows in beauty, even with all this rain.
God Bless
Juris Zauls
May 8, 2011
Please accept my deepest condolences. Michelle was kind and compassionate and brightened the lives of so many, including my own. She will be missed.
Sue Ellen Landwehr
May 4, 2011
Michelle was a dear friend of mine for many years. We worked on many Emmaus weekends, sang with the music ministry at St. Anthony's and traveled to Cape Cod many times. She will always have a special place in my heart. I am blessed to have had her in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Kris Heyel
May 1, 2011
Prayers for family and friends... She will be missed. God Bless.
Rosemary Lopes-Bliss
May 1, 2011
I was so lucky to have had Michelle as a close friend growing up. Our great times will never be forgotten. Michelle was a beauty both inside and out. Prayers to her family and my deepest condolences.
Heather Beardsley
April 30, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved Michelle. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Susie Heller Brigman
April 30, 2011
Michelle was always very sweet and kind. I am very sorry for your loss and the suffering she endured. Many prayers for your family.
April 30, 2011
To The Family of Michelle:
This is Kenny Perry. I lived above Michelle while she resided in White Plains. We shared garage space at the complex. She was as sweet of a person as they come. She was the perfect neighbor. Earth has lost a star. Heaven has gained an angel.
A few hours before hearing of Michelle's passing, I came across a cat that was dropped off in the lobby of the church I attend. No note. No identification. Just a cat in a bag with a cord tied around the top so that it couldn't get out. Quite unusual. I didn't know what to do with the cat but felt compelled to help it. After many phone calls and a few hours later, a friend and I were able to find a safe haven for her. I felt good about my deed. What was weird is that the cat was so calm throughout the entire ordeal. When I would look in her eyes, she would give me a look of trust. She sensed that everything would be o.k. Upon arriving home, I was told of Michelle's passing and her request for the support of animal rescue. You can only imagine the waves of emotion that I felt. I truly feel that was her way of saying goodbye to me. She is at peace. She is in a better place. She will be missed.
God Bless and keep you.
Laura Perun-Pederson
April 30, 2011
Our family extends our sympathies and prayers to all of the Yannes Family during this sorrowful time. Michelle is fondly remebered by us all. Lots of wonderful childhood memories that extend from elementry school straight through high school. Michelle will always be remembered as a fun, kind, and joyful friend. Our deepest condolensces. Laura Perun and Family (NF, CT)
April 29, 2011
Michelle was a good soul. A very sad day - my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
~Jeremy Heyel
Alexandra Liteplo
April 29, 2011
MIchelle was such a kind and joyful person, and I enjoyed working with her at McGraw-Hill. She often spoke of her family and the fun she had hiking, gardening, cooking, and enjoying herself whenever she visited. Michelle truly loved her family and friends and will be missed.
Keith LaSalle
April 29, 2011
Many many thoughts and prayers to your family Michelle. You will be missed. I can say I am blessed to have known you all through school!
Sean Foley
April 29, 2011
I want to express my deepest condolences to the Yannes family. I was shocked and saddened to hear about Michelle’s recent passing. She was such a great friend and I regret the fact that we weren’t able to stay in touch as frequently in recent years. I have such wonderful memories of our time together doing plays in high school, co-leading an Emmaus retreat, and just spending countless hours talking and laughing. She had such a tremendous spirit, a huge heart, and a great sense of humor. Michelle, I will really miss you. It’s hard to imagine the world being quite as bright without you here, but I feel fortunate to have had you in my life, and will always treasure our time together.
Jeffrey Heyel
April 29, 2011
Please accept my deepest condolences. Michelle was a beautiful, intelligent and compassionate soul. She touched my life in an incredible way. I will always cherish our time together. May God Bless you all. In Faith...
April 29, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the family. Always carry the wonderful, happy memories you have of Michelle in your heart. She will be with you forever.
Shirley Gunzer
Jennifer Montesi
April 28, 2011
To Michelle's beautiful family, Michelle touched many, many lives, and many, many hearts! Her love and passion will live on forever. Thank you for sharing her with us for the time she was here. My heart hurts for you all, and I will miss my Emmaus friend very much. Michelle, our newest angel, will be with us forever! May God heal your hearts, and send you comfort and peace. Jennifer Montesi
Maureen O'Keeffe
April 28, 2011
Dear Olive and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Michelle. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you.
Patricia D'Agostino
April 28, 2011
I got to know Michelle through our involvement with an employee group here at McGraw-Hill. She took part in a coaching program for high school girls and was so excited to teach and mentor them, in her positive and energetic way. I truly admire Michelle's spirit and passion for life. She is deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Susan Zelno Steska
April 28, 2011
I was very sorry to hear about Michelle's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family at this time.
Jodie Delohery
April 28, 2011
When I think of Michelle, I picture her face with that bright sunny smile and pleasant demeanor. I know she will be missed dearly by all of her family and friends and my heart goes out to them all! God Bless you Michelle!! May you finally rest in peace and without pain.
Randy Gunzer
April 28, 2011
Michelle was always full of life and that is the way she stays in my mind. I saw her a few times toward the end of her time with us on this earth and her fire and love of life was always there! I will miss you Michelle!
Marie Bennett
April 28, 2011
Michelle's spirit, her smile, her love of life will never be forgotten. I am blessed to call her cousin and friend.
Don Winter
April 28, 2011
What a wonderful, beautiful woman! I have many fond memories of dear Emmaus friend. I'm sending prayers for healing and happiness to her family.
Peter Voakes
April 28, 2011
Michelle was always so humorous and kind in the years that we worked together. I will keep many fond memories of working with her in the Media Tech department.
Angela Martini
April 28, 2011
Michelle was a wonderful person. I will miss her. I am very sorry for your loss and will be sending warm thoughts and wishes for your family in this difficult time.
cynthia obrien
April 28, 2011
I only had the pleasure of actually working with Michelle a little this fall. The words valiant and energetic immediately come to mind. Michelle was dynamic and very smart, obviously a pro at her job. I am grateful that I had a few conversations with her. She was vibrant, kind, and cheerful and obviously had warm family relationships. May God Bless Michelle now for all of her valor and good works, and may wonderful memories of her always give you comfort and peace.
Cynthia O'Brien
Christie Silver
April 28, 2011
Michelle, I miss seeing you on my Metro North commute and in the office. You were always positive, always helpful and always pleasant. My thoughts and prayers are will you and your family.
Kathy Mayer
April 28, 2011
My condolences go out to Michelle's family and friends. She was a pleasure to work with here at McGraw-Hill--always cheerful and full of drive. She is an inspiration and will be missed sorely.
Kathy Mayer
Karen Sanchez
April 28, 2011
Michelle was such a great person, she will be missed.
Tamosin Bardsley
April 28, 2011
To Michelle's family,
I worked with Michelle at McGraw-Hill for the past several years. We collaborated on projects and our conversations would often get sidetracked into discussions of movies, books, anecdotes about her nephews, etc. She had such a wonderful passion for life. And she was always so kind and generous. She will be greatly missed.
My sympathies to you all in this difficult time,
Tamosin Bardsley
Frances Storey
April 28, 2011
Michelle was one of those people that could make work interesting and fun. I loved her sense of humor and her take on current events. She was unfailingly patient as she would explain to me ( the tech illiterate) how to post a video or where I could find certain files I needed for a website. She spoke fondly of her family in AZ and you have my deepest sympathy on your loss.
April 28, 2011
Michelle was a great colleague and a lovely person. I will remember her with a smile.
Pat Vasquez, McGraw-Hill, New York
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