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Michele West Obituary

MILLBROOK < Michele J. West, 47, of Millbrook, died suddenly Thursday, Feb.1, 2007. Shelly was born in Auburn, on May 22, 1959, the daughter of Carlton and Shirley Juli West. She graduated from Union Springs Central High School in 1977 as class valedictorian. She played field hockey, volleyball, tennis, basketball and loved all sports. She earned both her bachelor"s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master"s degree in Environmental Engineering. After graduation, Shelly took a position at IBM in East Fishkill, and was a senior environmental engineer at the time of her death. She served as the current chairperson of the Town of Washington Planning Board. Surviving are her parents, Shirley and Carlton West of Auburn; her husband, Jim Dankelman at home; sister, Kelly Paluf and her husband, Drew, of Granger, Ind.; niece, Ashley Paluf; nephew, Christopher Paluf; Jim#, sons, James Dankelman and his wife, Alicia, of Stormville and Joseph Dankelman of Powell, Wyo.; and grandchildren, Kyle and Kimberly Dankelman. Shelly loved life and was always ready to reach out to her family, co-workers, friends and strangers. She was aware of what was going on in her community and was eager to help solve problems that might arise. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, at Allen Funeral Home, 3270 Franklin Ave., Millbrook. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, from St. Joseph"s Church, North Avenue, Millbrook. Interment will be in South Onondaga Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Michele"s memory to Animal Rescue Foundation, 60 Simmons Lane, Beacon, NY 12508; or Hospice of Dutchess County, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. The family will be setting up a fund to offer a scholarship in Michele#"s name at Union Springs Central School. Donations may be sent to Carlton West, 4169 Sam Adams Lane, Auburn, NY 13021. If you would like to send the family a condolence and for directions, please visit www.HudsonValleyFuneralHomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Citizen from Feb. 3 to Feb. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Michele West

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Susan Moloney (Peters)

January 28, 2020

Dear West Family, Thinking of Shelly realizing it's been 13 Years. The Class of 1977 lost a classmate and a dear friend. She was an outstanding student and leader for the class and so full of energy. When we remember Shelly we smile, because Shelly had a beautiful smile! God Bless your Family

Eric Mueller

February 26, 2007

Dear West Family,

I was shocked to hear of Shelly's passing, which I learned of this past weekend from my brother Rex while preparing my father's listing for submission to The Advertiser.

As a USCS Alum ('74) and Tennis Team Member, I remember Shelly's athleticism, fiercely competitive spirit, beauty and grace.

I was unaware, but not surpised, to learn that she was a USCS Valedictorian, as well as a Notre Dame Alum and engineer. Although I'll never know, there's no doubt in my mind that my father was very pleased with her accomplishments both at USCS as well as in her post-secondary educational pursuits.

We too found it ironic that Shelly and dad departed us within 9 days of each other.

Your family is in our prayers. May God's blessings and mercy be with you all in this difficult time.

Very Respectfully,

Eric Mueller on behalf of the Harold J. Mueller Family

Ken Klem

February 13, 2007

Carl, Shirley and Kelly,
I was stunned to learn of Shelly's passing. May you find strength in knowing how many of her classmates looked up to her and hold her memory in the highest regard.

Joe Klem

February 13, 2007

Carl, Shirley and Kelly,

News of Shelly's passing deeply saddens me, and I know you must be devastated, as I recall what a close family you always were. Shelly was always a leader and role model in Union Springs, academically, athletically and in the community. Her life will continue to inspire us, and I hope you get some consolation from what a fine woman she was, and how much she loved you. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Bernie Klem

February 12, 2007

Dear Carl, Shirley & Kelly,

Word of Shelly's passing just reached me today, and it was like a dagger through my heart. Knowing how close you are as a family, I can't imagine your pain. But think how much more tragic it would have been had she never been born. How many would never have been inspired by her enthusiasm and courage? How many would never have been touched by her generosity and selflessness? The world is a far better place because she lived. May God bless you and give you strength.

Mark Draggett

February 8, 2007

Dear friends of Shelly,
May you all find comfort in shared memories of Shelly and in the endless love of God

Wendy Chick

February 7, 2007

Mr & Mrs West,
So very saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Wendy Kuhlmann-Chick 1977.

Kay Albanese

February 6, 2007

Dear Shirley & Carlton
Was so sorry to hear of your daughter passing. My prayers are wih you both.
Kay Albanese,

Michael Fronce

February 6, 2007

Dear Shelly,

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. My prayers are with you at this time.

DIANA ROBINSON-OCONNOR

February 6, 2007

Mr & Mrs West, Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear about your
loss. I will always remember playing sports with her and what a
great inspiration she was to everyone.

Joseph Murray

February 6, 2007

Carl and Shirley,
We were shocked and saddened on hearing the news of the loss of your daughter. We don't know of anything more devastating. Please know that we wish we could be with you at this difficult time.
Love, Joe and Charlene

Ginny Bratek-Botsford

February 6, 2007

Dear West Family, My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. We just spoke a couple weeks ago at my Dad's calling hours about Shelly. It sure brought back so many fond memories - her and I playing in the ditch and dirt piles at Mom and Dads house; or running down the hill behind your house. What a beautiful person we have lost, but God has gained. We can keep her alive in our hearts with all the wonderful memories. God Bless you all. Ginny

Jim and Dottie Bailey

February 6, 2007

Carl and Shirley,
We are so sorry to hear of Shelly's passsing. She was an inspiration to so many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Cathy Techman (Burnett)

February 6, 2007

Mr & Mrs West, Kelly & family,
Being a classmate of Shelly's I remember her as an oustanding role model and leader. She was friendly to everyone and so much fun to be around. The class of 1977 has lost a very special lady. She will be missed by all of us who knew her for her energy and beautiful smile. God Bless you all during this time of sorrow. Deepest sympathy

Rosie Comitz

February 5, 2007

Mr. and Mrs West and Kelly, I am very sorry for your loss. Shelly will always be remembered with much affection. She was a wonderful role model for underclassmen like me. She was fun to watch when she played field hockey,volleyball and basketball! I wish she would have played softball with us! My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. May God give you strength and comfort you need at this time.

Carolyn and Pat Watson

February 5, 2007

Dear Mr. and Mrs. West, Kelly and family.
My mom told me of Shelly's sudden passing. Please take some comfort at knowing all the joy she brought to all our lives. All who knew her are better people because of her. Memories of her bring smiles.
Please accept our sincerest sympathy

Marilyn Fronce Bower

February 5, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. West and Kelly: My deepest sympathy to each of you in the loss of Shelly. I remember her as being very friendly and so smart. She was a definite leader, inspiration and asset to the class of 1977. May your memories bring you comfort.

Sally Scott

February 5, 2007

Dear Carl & Shirley
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are my thoughts and prayers.

Susan Schwind (Peters)

February 5, 2007

Mr. & Mrs. West & Kelly,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you for your loss of Shelly. As a classmate of Shelly's, I will always remember the good times we shared at USCS (Class 77).
The Peters Family

David Adsit

February 5, 2007

It is with great sadness that I learned of Shelly's passing from another classmate. I remember Shelly from USCS as very upbeat, happy and energetic. Please accept my deepest sympathies. David Adsit USCS Class of 1977.

Dolores Waldron Bochenek

February 5, 2007

Dear Carl, Shirley & Kelly,

Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Shelly was a person to remember with her team spirit and she was team player when we played volleyball in highschool. She was inspirational to all of us who played on the team.

Janet Whitaker

February 5, 2007

Dear Carl, Shirley and Kelly,
A teacher/coach always remembers and teasures thoughts of the fine young people they have been blessed to know over the years; Shelly indeed was a person whom I will always remember, not only for her talent in sports but for the way she brightened the day for everyone around her. I extend my deepest sympathy to you and to everyone in your family. I pray that God will comfort you in your loss.
Jan Whitaker, formerly Richards

Pam (Lucas) Merkle

February 5, 2007

Dear Mr. and Mrs. West and Kelly,
I am so sorry for your loss. Shelly was a great friend. I have many fond memories of our childhood and high school days together. My thoughts are with you.
Pam (Lucas) Merkle

Betty and Ed Galka

February 5, 2007

Dear Carl and Shirley, our prayers are with you during this time of sadness.

Julia Vazquez

February 4, 2007

Dear Mr & Mrs West & Kelly,
For some time now I have been meaning to look up Shelly. She was not present at the last school reunion, and I wanted to see and reconnect with her. Some how my life filled in with too much to do and now I have missed my chance, regardless of the sticky note I wrote her name on months ago and kept at my desk. I send prayers for your comfort and healing, and prayers for the transition of Shelly's soul. I will remember her with sincere fondness and thanks for her friendship. I only wish I was better at reaching out when I felt the call to do so. Peace and Blessings to you all,

Erma Boswell

February 4, 2007

Dear West Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Shelley's passing. She was my summer softball coach. She was so patient and kind. I learned so much from her; especially because what she taught us, she lived before us. She was so talented and so humble, always looking to help others. I'm praying for your family at this very difficult time, asking God to give you His strength as you go through the next few days, weeks, and months. Know that her life touched so many people. May you find comfort in knowing her example made a difference in the lives of others. Erma (Mekeel) Boswell

John & Jackie Dmytrenko

February 4, 2007

Dear Mr. & Mrs. West & Kelly,
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We were so fortunate to have known such a wonderful person. She was an inspiration to everyone. I really enjoyed working with her during the summers at the park and bank. She made John and I a beautiful pillow when we were married. She was always so thoughtful and will always be in our prayers.

Steven Danis

February 4, 2007

Dear Carl and Shirley: I learned today from Marika Nauman about the loss of your daughter, Shelly. Please accept from Deborah and myself our sympathy in this sad hour. I only met Shelly on a few occasions, but I know from speaking to you over the years how proud you were that she was your daughter.

Kevin Ryan

February 4, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. West and Kelly,Drew and family,
My deepest regrets in Shelly's passing. My family's thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Kevin Ryan USCS 1978

Joseph Moyson

February 4, 2007

Dear friends,
So sorry to learn of the passing of Shelley;Our thoughts and prayers are with you.We shall always treasure our memories of her,while residing in Union Springs.

God Bless,

Joe,Kay,Peter and Paul.

Patricia Schmitt

February 4, 2007

Sincere condolances to the family of Shelly West. She was a wonderful girl and a dream student. Her rewards are great. May God help you all through this very sad time.

Robert T. Ryan

February 4, 2007

Shirley,Carl, Shelly & Family
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ralph & Dorothy Bartley

February 4, 2007

Carlton and Shirley,

We are so saddened to read about Shelly's passing. We so enjoyed going to the games and watching the girls during their time at Union Springs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of loss.

Sherry (Hares) Matuszkiewicz

February 4, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Michelle was a wonderful person and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Mary Lou Graf

February 4, 2007

Carlton and Shirley: My deepest sympathies on the passing of your daughter. Hopefully the thoughts and prayers from old friends, will help in some small way.

Sincerely,
Mary Lou Graf

Glenn and Beth Gaston

February 4, 2007

Carlton, Shirley and families: Glenn and I were both shocked and saddened as we heard of Shelley's passing. She was a true friend to many in our class (77') at USCS. We pray that you will feel God's comfort as you remember her life and honor her. God's Love and our sympathy and prayers, Glenn and Beth (Mekeel) Gaston

Meredith & Katie Badman

February 4, 2007

Dear Carl & Shirley
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. We want you to know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can be of help in anyway during this difficult time, please be sure to let us know.

Melea Bartley

February 3, 2007

I'm so sorry to hear about Shelly. She was a great friend, brilliant mind and a fierce competitor on the field or court at USCS in our days of field hockey, volleyball and basketball. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Shelly will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.

donna breed

February 3, 2007

Dear Carl and Shirley,
Sending deepest sympathy and prayers to you all. Instant memory of the tall, curious, beautiful girl in my very first classroom(1965).Please extend my regards to Kelly.
Sincerely, Donna Ripley Breed

Debra Pethybridge Goodwin

February 3, 2007

Your families are in my prayers. Shelly was a dear friend during High School; I would never have survived physics without her. I smile with many memories of classes and fun together.
Warmly, Debra Pethybridge Goodwin

Edwin & Naomi Casler

February 3, 2007

Carl & Shirley;
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. You have our deepest sympathy & you are in our thoughts and our prayers.

DON AND HELEN FROMEL

February 3, 2007

shirley and carlton; please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your daughter michele. you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. god bless.

Tom Parsnick

February 3, 2007

Dear Carl & Shirley:
Joan & I offer our deepest sympathies. Your family will be in our prayers and in the prayers of the congregation @ St. Michael's. God Bless.

Shelley (Sanders) Pantoliano

February 3, 2007

I have many fond memories of Shelly from high school - sharing the same classes, working on the prom, chatting in the lunch room. I also remember playing together in the summers down at the park when we were young. I am so sorry for your loss, and I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelley (Sanders) Pantoliano

Harry & Nancy Slywiak

February 3, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

February 3, 2007

The USCS Class of 1977 extends their deepest sympathy to the family of Shelly West. She is remembered as a very kind person.

February 3, 2007

Dear Carl and Shirley, we are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. There are no words for a loss so great. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Tom and Denise Bennett

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