Michelle Hill

Michelle Gilbert Hill passed away at her home in Deerfield Beach, Florida, November 29th, 2025, at the far-too-young age of 61. She was born in March of 1964 in Alamogordo New Mexico the second child, and first daughter, of Gregg and Judi Gilbert. In the early years of her life, Michelle (known as "Missy" throughout her childhood), with her family, moved to Chicago where they lived before relocating to Bangkok Thailand in 1968, as her father accepted a marketing position with a company in the region. Michelle attended her first years of elementary education at an American school built for the children of military personnel based near their home. She and her family experienced many exciting adventures in their 3 1/2 years in Thailand creating vivid memories that she joyfully recounted throughout her life. Upon returning to the United States in 1972, Michelle and her family made a home in Lighthouse Point, FL, where she lived until leaving for college at the University of Florida in Gainesville. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in political science, she worked with her parents at their family-owned printing and mailing business before moving to Dallas Texas to take a sales position with a prominent marketing company. She enjoyed quickly becoming one of their top sales associates before deciding to go back to college, this time at Western North Carolina University. She earned a degree in early childhood education, then went to work helping children and families of need in North Carolina before ultimately deciding to return to Florida. She bought a house in Deerfield Beach and became the owner/operator of an aircraft restoration company. Within a few years, Michelle reconnected with, fell in love with, and in 2008, married Franklin Hill who had been best friends with her brother Dirk and a friend of the family since their late 1970s high school days. Michelle, along with her husband, lived in her Deerfield Beach home and made a great success of her business until they both happily retired in April of 2024.

Michelle's many successes in life can be attributed to her outgoing personality, her passion for all things life offers, and an exceptional magnetism created by her authentic nature. She loved a great many activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, diving, gardening, beach walking, shelling, horseback riding and traveling. She was a dog lover and held a special place in her heart for animals of every kind and, indeed, loved all things in nature. With quite a discerning ear for it, she was also a tremendous lover of music, especially live performances.

Michelle is survived by her adoring husband Frank, her brother Dirk Gilbert, her sister Lisa Husnu, and their families - including Dirk's wife, Mila, Lisa's Husband, Mehmet, and their children, Danyol and Cassie - as well as many extended family members. Michelle will be dearly missed by all of them, along with myriad friends.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to any charity of your choosing that supports people or animals in any way.