Michelle Anne Jerome gave her last gift of love when she passed away at home on her favorite holiday, Christmas. On December 25, 2020, Michelle drew her final breath surrounded by her loving family.

Michelle was born in Lawrence, Mass. on July 8, 1966. Although Michelle was born with Down Syndrome and congenital heart disease, she never let her disability prevent her from living her best life. Michelle was predeceased by her biological parents, Raymond J. and Loretta M. Jerome.

Michelle spent the first fourteen years of her life in Great Barrington, Mass. On February 14, 1981 she moved to Pittsfield with her new family, the Colwell's. She attended Crosby school and graduated from Pittsfield High School's Special Education program in 1988. A highlight of her high school years was being selected Prom Queen at Sacred Heart CCD program.

After graduation, Michelle joined Berkshire County ARC where she was placed in the Advantage Employee Network headed by Rick Hawes. Throughout the years Michelle worked at several jobs, one of them being Berkshire Hilton Inn. While working at the Hilton, Michelle was part of the "A" team which received the Hospitality Award at the Massachusetts Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism in 1994.

When Michelle became oxygen dependent and needed a wheel chair, Rick Hawes found the perfect job for her at Blue Q. Mitch and Seth Nash, the owners of Blue Q, provided Michelle with the opportunity to work until her retirement in November, 2018. Blue Q offered an environment that was productive, respectful, and enriching to every individual employee regardless of ability. Michelle loved her job and the perks of friendship, Holiday Parties and fun merchandise to take home.

Michelle loved watching TV, while working in her word search book. She had an abundant collection of DVD's that she would watch over and over. She loved the Full House series and would laugh out loud like it was the first time she was seeing it. Michelle also loved going out to eat, her favorite being Chinese Food. Michelle loved doing jigsaw puzzles with her dad, John, and always was the one to put in the last few pieces. Michelle and her mom, Dolores, enjoyed going to high school plays, the Colonial Theatre and their favorite Mac-Haydn Musical theatre in Chatham, New York. Michelle also looked forward to the Dufour Bus company's day trips with her mom and best friend Margaret. For many years Michelle and her mom went on a day cruise on Lake George in July to celebrate their shared month birthdays.

Michelle is survived by her three brothers, Kevin P. Colwell, Mechanicsville, VA, Paul J. Colwell, Rutland, VT, and John P. Colwell, Waxhaw, NC. She is survived by three sisters, Denise M. White, Springfield, VA, Dorene E. DiTomasso, Forest, VA, and Mary C. Colwell of Williamsburg, MA. Michelle also was predeceased by her brother Danny.

Michelle leaves many extended family members including her brother-in-law Paul DiTomasso, and sisters-in-law, Margaret Colwell and Charlene Elvers along with 8 nephews, 4 nieces, 2 great-nephews and 2 great nieces. Michelle had many friends and was part of many organizations including, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Developmental Services, Berkshire County ARC and Pathlight. She built lifelong relationships with so many people she met. Thank you all for your support and love during Michelle's journey through life.

Michelle will be missed and will always remain in the hearts of her parents, siblings and everyone who knew her. Michelle was proof, that you don't need to be perfect to be perfect. Michelle's life was a reflection of one of her favorite sayings, "How Wonderful."

In lieu of flowers, in memory of Michelle, please pass along a good deed.

Due to COVID, a memorial service for Michelle will be held at a later date.

Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA, is handling the arrangements.

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

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Dec. 29, 2020.