Rebecca Jean MICHALOVIC

MICHALOVIC - Rebecca Jean (nee Wesson) April 1, 2011 at the age of 64. Fiercely devoted mother of Tara, Mariah (Patrick) Tarry and Ross (Jennifer); doting grandmother of Eleanore and Vivienne Tarry and Faith; wife of Stephen Michalovic; loyal sister of Marydel (David) Bochniwich, Rosalind (late Phillip) Barber, the late Karen Wesson, Renee (Gary) Jones; caring aunt of many nieces and nephews; loving daughter of Mary Eleanore (nee Wesson) Minich and the late Ross Wesson. Family will be present Monday, April 4, 2011 at the DIETRICH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2480 Kensington Ave., Amherst, NY where visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Rebecca fought an 8-year battle against colo-rectal cancer. She tackled all treatments with bravery and grace. She was particularly proud of her participation in multiple clinical trials. The knowledge that her efforts would benefit future cancer patients gave her comfort. Rebecca was a teacher in the truest sense of the word. She began as a teacher of the deaf 35 years ago and held a variety of education positions throughout her career, culminating as the Assistant Director of Co-op and Career Development at Daemen College. Even when her fight against cancer forced her to quit working, she continued to educate as a "cancer coach" helping newly diagnosed patients navigate appointments, treatments and life changes. Like many teachers, Rebecca had a lifelong love of learning. She earned multiple degrees including a second master's degree in 1999 at the age of 52 from Canisius College. Rebecca had a bright smile and easy laugh. She formed lifelong friendships and will be dearly missed by all who knew her and loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to Roswell Park Cancer Institute/ Hospice Buffalo.