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Michele McCreary Obituary
June 18, 1957 - August 21, 2024
Newton, North Carolina - Michele Acosta McCreary, age 67, unexpectedly passed away at her home in Newton, NC, on Wednesday night, August 21, 2024. Michele was born on June 18, 1957, in Fresno, California. She was the beloved daughter of the late Robert Earl Acosta and Gay Lynn Metz.
Michele is survived by her devoted husband, soulmate, partner, and best friend of 39 years, Bob McCreary. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication. She is also survived by her sister, Cozette Acosta Smith, and her husband, Bob, of Green Valley, AZ; her brother, Freddy Acosta, and his wife, Marsha, of Maiden, NC; her brother-in-law Larry McCreary, and his wife Judy, of Winston Salem, NC; her stepson, Robert McCreary, and his wife, Courtney, of Charlotte, NC; and her cherished grandchildren, Cash and Kate McCreary, of Mooresville, NC, and Esme, Naya, Hugo and Arya Zuniga McCreary of Charlotte. Michele also leaves behind her dear nephew and nieces: Logan Schaub, Jordan Schaub, Morgan Schaub, and Ayla Acosta, along with six great-nephews and nieces who were a source of great joy in her life. Her lifelong friend, and classmate at Garces Memorial High School, Meggan Phillips, and her husband, Vince, of Bakersfield, CA will also miss her dearly. Michele will join in heaven her other stepson, Christian McCreary.
Michele, alongside her husband Bob, founded McCreary Modern, Inc. in Newton in 1986. Their company, a furniture manufacturer known for its commitment to excellence, now operates seven facilities and employs some 1000 associates who, thanks to her kindness, own 30% of the company.
Michele lived a life worth living and was proud of the business they built and the community they supported through their endeavors.
A devoted philanthropist, Michele generously gave her time and resources to numerous organizations, including the Catawba Valley Memorial Hospital, the McCreary Cancer Center and Caldwell Memorial Hospital McCreary Surgery unit in Lenoir, the Old Post Office Playhouse of Newton, the Humane Society of Catawba County, the Mitford Museum in Hudson, and Mt. Sinai Baptist Church of Catawba. Her unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a devout Catholic who attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Newton and St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Hickory.
Michele was passionate about life and embraced every moment. She loved traveling the world with Bob, exploring new cultures and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Their beach house in Sunset Beach, NC, was a cherished retreat where they enjoyed many peaceful moments together.
Michele had a special place in her heart for animals, especially horses, and was known for her compassionate nature. She also found great joy in playing tennis with her dear friends, the "Six Pack."
Michele was a remarkable woman who always put others first, and her kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone she met. Her absence leaves a void that will never be filled, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Michele Acosta McCreary will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community she so lovingly served. Her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will forever be remembered.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, September 5 at St. Aloysious Catholic Church in Hickory at 10:00 a.m., with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., to be followed by a reception at the Catawba Country Club immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mt. Sinai McCreary Community Center, P.O. Box 370, Catawba, NC, 28909.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michele McCreary
Kelly Vettraino
August 22, 2025
What a blessing you were to all that were fortunate enough to have known you. Missing you - hard to believe it's been a year already.
Peter Cassidy
August 21, 2025
Hard to believe it has been a year since you went to heaven. I miss you every single day
Robyn Strong
July 17, 2025
Michelle came and spoke to our group in Raleigh as we trained to open the Ballard Designs showroom. Before she arrived, the corporate trainer described her as 'a delight' and she truly was. The pride in her family business and the life she led to achieve it was evident in her speech. We loved meeting her and we are bereft at the thought of her loss.
Paige Sergent
November 5, 2024
I never met Michelle, but I knew about her through my wonderful step father, Paul Warner Nelson who was Bob's great uncle. The world has lost an extraordinary human being! I'll be praying for Bob & Michelle's family & friends. May God give you the comfort & peace you need during this difficult time.
David dachowski
September 30, 2024
I worked at Crate & Barrel and met Michelle in 1994 when crate opened their Washington DC store. Michelle was so effervescent and kind, and every time I saw her, be it in North Carolina, or our store in Manhattan, or later in Boston, she always greeted me like a dear friend. I am so sad to learn this. Bob, I send my sincere condolences.
Drina C Hedgpeth
September 13, 2024
I was sorry to hear about the death of Bob's wife. I did not know her personally but Bob was at Wake Forest when I was there.
WALT UNDERWOOD
September 13, 2024
Bob, Karen and I were so sad to hear of Michele´s passing. You were blessed to have so many years to enjoy together. Your Sig Ep brother, Walt Underwood
Connie Jo Blanton
September 6, 2024
I´m am so very saddened by the new of Michele´s passing. I worked for her and Bob in High Point during Furniture Market. She was such a kind and thoughtful person. She always made me feel welcomed and appreciated. I will always remember her big smile, her bold laugh and her kind words. My deepest condolences to Bob and her family. This world´s loss is Heaven´s gain.
Connie Jo Blanton
Willie C
September 5, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob and the family. Michelle was an amazing person. She was such a caring individual that always had a smile for everyone. All the good memories she has left for us will never be forgotten. Bob and Michelle truly built a great business that was family. I felt it an honor to work for them before retiring after 16 1/2 years. We will continue to pray for Bob and the family.
~Willie & Debi Cockrell~
Anne and David Stumbo
September 5, 2024
David and Anne Stumbo . So sorry for your loss . Michele will not be forgotten . God will give the strength to go on with faith in God . God will care you though it all.
Kim Rauen
September 5, 2024
I am so sad to hear of Michele passing. I am a manager with Arhaus Furniture and had the privilege of meeting Michelle on multiple occasions when we would visit the McCreary Modern factories. She was absolutely lovely-inside and out. And it was obvious that she & Bob had a beautiful relationship and a true love & respect for each other.
May God bless Michele on her journey home & keep her loved ones in His loving arms.
Holly Hicks
September 5, 2024
Sorry to hear of Michele´s passing, she was such a wonderful woman who always met you with a smile. Michele had that personality about her which made an impact everywhere she went. She touched so many people with her sweet & generous hear.
It was an honor to have known her, She will be missed dearly by her friends, family and coworkers. Sending the McCreary Family my prayers.
Billie Duncan
September 5, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Matthew 11 : 28 . Come unto me , all who are weary and burdened and I will give peace. I pray peace and comfort over you and your family.
Mitchell Gold
September 5, 2024
I remember the first time I met Michele in her Buyer's office at A&S.... her big radiant smile.... and the last time I saw her a few months ago with that same beautiful smile. Michele was an example of how to live life well.
Teddy Allen
September 3, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Paul pruitt
September 3, 2024
Praying for you and your family bob, so sorry for your loss!
Shirley Hefner scronce
September 2, 2024
We send our condolences to you Bob so sorry for Michelle passing From Dean and Shirley Scronce
Betty Gayle Frye
September 2, 2024
Bob and family so sorry for you the loss and pain of losing your love one ,she was a special person to so many others and will be greatly missed. Gayle Frye
Cathy Jones
September 1, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Rosemary Cassidy
August 30, 2024
Dear Bob and Acosta & McCreary family members,
Mich sure did have a profound impact on people, the lovely tributes here attest to it. Met her in Sept 1981 at Yankee Stadium, NY Yankee game with Mich & my brother Peter. Her "Hey Girl!" burned on my brain. Alot of fantastic memories to go with my Mich & McCreary pictures from over the years, Meeting Bob, R & C, one December with Mich & Peter, Top of the 6s NY. Your Birthday party in 89, what a blast. Sammy's Roumainian on Chrystie St with the McCreary Modern gang. Summer trips to Newton. Boston wedding. When you connected live with her on the phone, it was like you last spoke yesterday. Conversation easily resumed But not to be. I'm so sorry she's gone, Bob. Mich's passing is a massive loss.
Rosemary Cassidy
Elaine Reeves
August 30, 2024
I am heartbroken for Bob, Michele´s family, friends, and McCreary Modern family. Michele and I worked together as buyers in NYC before she married her soulmate Bob. Throughout the years we would see each other at market. Many years later after several visits to the showroom and the McCreary factory we launched a successful program when I was a buyer at Domain Home. The gift of memory is a blessing. I will always remember Michele´s kindness and smile that would light up a room.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Elaine Reeves
Rich and Peggy Cameron
August 30, 2024
Michelle is an example of a life well lived. Michelle will be missed by all who knew her. It was her nature to make you feel welcome and included. Our heartfelt condolences to Bob and family, Rich and Peggy Cameron
Josh Dempsey
August 30, 2024
So sorry to hear of her passing. I will continue to pray for the family as well as the employees.
Tim Sigmon
August 29, 2024
Sweet lady who always put others first
.met her in 1987 at McCreary modern office and she was very down to earth and welcomed me into the McCreary modern family ..I stayed 22 years and was treated very well by Bob and Michelle..miss her and praying for bob and the family.
Pete Keel
August 29, 2024
Bob, I am so sorry to hear of Michele´s passing. She was a wonderful lady who was always so kind and giving! She was a gift to all who knew her. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as you go through this unimaginable and difficult time.
Sue Carpenter
August 29, 2024
I´m so very sorry, my most sincere condolences to all her family and friends.
Lori Crowder
August 29, 2024
Bob, I am praying for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Michelle will be missed walking around in the plant. She was always so friendly and funny at times. She will be missed.
Libby Clontz
August 29, 2024
Such a lovely soul. She was so kind to me when I worked there. Supported me when times were difficult. Bob my heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family. You and Michele never left my thoughts.
Trish Wilhite
August 28, 2024
I was absolutely devastated when I opened FB and saw that Michelle had gone home. Kindness isn´t enough to describe Michelle. She along with her soulmate Bob gave to joy and love to all. She never knew a stranger. I enjoyed the years I worked at McCreary Modern Clinic. Rest In Paradise Michelle.
Trish Wilhite
Teresa Marini
August 28, 2024
I am so saddened by the news of Michele´s passing. She was such a lovely person and I had the pleasure of knowing her through the many trips to NC for furniture market. She and Bob had such a special bond and you could see it every time we worked with him on product for Macy´s. She was always kind and they opened their home to us as we were stranded there during 9/11 premarket. Sending my love to Bob and forever remembering Michele.
Susan Hudson
August 28, 2024
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
Hickory Springs Customer Service
Shelly Lowry
Robert White
Susan Hudson
gary king
August 28, 2024
Bob,
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. michele was such a wonderful person.
gary king/ramtex fabrics
Laurie and Jay Venuto
August 28, 2024
Bob,
Our most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. We pray you find peace and comfort in the memories you and Michele made together.
Sincerely,
Laurie and Jay Venuto
Beth Miller
August 28, 2024
How is it possible that this beautiful soul is gone? Michele has always been a bright candle in this sometimes dark world and we are better for knowing her. My prayers are with the family and also my McCreary Modern family in this moment and the time that follows.
Rebecca M Bentley
August 28, 2024
Dear Bob and family, I am very sorry to learn of Michele's passing. She was a sweet, kind and generous person. May God give you comfort at this very sad time.
Paul Fosnow
August 28, 2024
Sending thoughts and prayers to the McCreary family. May God's blessings comfort you all during this difficult time. Michelle was an amazing person. It was a honor to have known her. She will be dearly missed by all that have known her.
David Phillips
August 28, 2024
So very sorry for the untimely passing of your dearest Michele.
Scott Echelberger
August 27, 2024
Dear Bob and Family,
I am heartbroken to hear of Michelle´s passing. Her loss is felt deeply by all of us who had the privilege to work with her and witness the profound impact she had on our hospital and community. For over a decade, Michelle was more than just a board member-she was a beacon of compassion, dedication, and vision.
The generosity that you and Michelle showed through your support of the Emergency Department and Heart Center project stands as a powerful testament to her selfless nature. The lives that will be saved and improved through these initiatives are part of her lasting legacy, one that will continue to touch our hearts and those of countless others.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this unimaginable time. Michelle's absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her memory will continue to guide and inspire us.
With deepest sympathy,
Scott Echelberger
Former Senior Vice President
Catawba Valley Medical Center
Bill & Marilyn Quirk
August 27, 2024
An amazing life taken from all of us. Let us celebrate how absolutely special she was. The angels in heaven will welcome her. Our sadness is their joy in heaven. God´s speed Michele.
Joy Sharpe
August 27, 2024
Each morning when Michele came in to work, there was always a cheerful Good Morning. She truly cared about each one of the employees. Her kindness and caring will always be remembered. She is already missed.
Rebecca
August 27, 2024
May god be with you and your family In this time of Sorrow?
charles huffman
August 27, 2024
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Losing someone as special as Michele is truly heartbreaking, and I can only imagine the pain you are going through. May God's blessings bring comfort and peace to all of you as you navigate through this loss together. Michele will be remembered fondly by so many, her presence will truly be missed. Please know that you have a support system of family and friends who are here for you, ready to lend a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on whenever needed. My thoughts are with you all as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful person.
Dick and Wynne Beale
August 27, 2024
Michele was one of the most caring, generous, and genuine servants we have ever known. She and Bob were a great benevolent team who touched the lives of so many people in so many ways. Michele's needs were always secondary to those she served. Her presence would light up the room. Every person whose life she touched was better for having known her. Michele's unexpected and untimely passing leaves all of us who knew her with a void not easily filled. Our prayer for Bob and her family in their grief is that each new day is a little better than the day before as they hold tight to their many memories of the wonderful caring woman that we all knew. May God hold all of us in the palm of His hand as we grieve our loss while we celebrate Michele's life.
Dick and Wynne Beale, Williamsburg, VA and Wake Forest Sig Ep
Tim Sigmon
August 27, 2024
I'm sorry to hear of this tragedy praying for your family
Barbara Reese, Carol and Wayne Bender
August 27, 2024
Our deepest condolences to your family. May God wrap you in his embrace and comfort you and your family in this time.
Vickie Davis
August 27, 2024
I was truly in shock when I heard of Mich's passing! I feel so for both the family & the employees who worked with her daily. At McCreary, you learned real quick that you was part of a family not just a worker. Mich will forever hold a special place in my heart. I hope in some small way that she knew what a special person she was to all fortunate enough to work with her or be her friend/associate. The world has lost a great person!! Love & prayers to all the family.
Scot Wilson
August 27, 2024
Just wanna to say that it was so sad to hear about Michele passing , Every time I seen her in the mill, she would always say how are you and shake my hand with a big smile God bless and comfort Bob and Robert and rest of the family. Y´all are in my prayers.
Monica Rollins
August 27, 2024
Rip My sincere condolences to the family
Miranda Ingle
August 27, 2024
Michele was such a wonderful woman in so many ways. Her kindness to people made her so very special.. my prayers are with all of the McCreary family.
Peter Cassidy
August 27, 2024
I am struggling to find the words to express the love I had of my close friend of 45 years, Michelle. We met in San Francisco in 1979, where we were both buyers for W&J Sloane. In 1981, we both found new jobs in New York. After struggling to find a place to live separately, we met for coffee to compare notes. Michelle said, we could afford to split a 2 bedroom apartment which was cheaper than the prices for a 1 bedroom. We then spent almost 5 years on 79th Street before she met and married Bob. We discovered the secret to successful cohabitation, 2 bathrooms and 2 TV´s. Over the next almost 40 years, there were a lot of visits to see Michelle and Bob in Newton, Sunset and Wake Forest sporting events. I was reviewing photos recently taken of me and Michelle and one of my favorites was a picture of us in Paris when she joined me to celebrate my sister Rosemary´s 40th birthday. We spoke by phone often and our last conversation was the day before she tragically passed away. It lasted about 40 minutes and as usual was filled with lots of laughter. I will treasure that last conversation always. I have saved your voice mail to me on Tuesday, so I can always hear your voice. Love, Peter
David and Pamela Crawley
August 27, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Selena Price
August 27, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sheryl king
August 27, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Teresa Clark
August 27, 2024
Sorry for your loss.And may God send healing to each one of you to help keep her family going.The love she had was glorious.So my love to you all. Teresa Clark
Terry & Nancy Rinehardt
August 27, 2024
We will keep the family in our prayers. Love Terry & Nancy Rinehardt.
Alan Fisher
August 27, 2024
What a beautiful person inside and out. Forever grateful for being her friend and coworker. I will miss our daily conversations before leaving the office. Those were always the highlight of my days.
Janet Greer
August 27, 2024
Devastated by the loss of such a dynamic person. She was truly a humanitarian, having such compassion for her fellow man.
Tammy Fulbright
August 27, 2024
Michele will be deeply missed . She was always so kind to me . I remember having conversations with her about our pets . She had a love for animals . Bob and the rest of the family you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen Keith
August 27, 2024
Bob, John and I are extremely saddened to hear of the death of Michele. She closed her eyes in this world and opened them in front of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. The ""Six Pack" will never be the same with her absence and friendship. May the days ahead fill yours and your loved ones with happy memories and good time that make you smile until you are reunited again. God Bless. (Linda Corcoran´s sister) Kathleen and John Keith.
Ann Wilson Boyette
August 27, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
John Shane
August 27, 2024
One of the finest people I ever worked with ! Michele and Bob not only built a great company , but built a great culture. In doing so they helped not only their family but many others including mine. Sending prayers to the family , and the "McCreary Modern Family" as they navigate this most difficult of times .
Brenda, Tommy and Robert Fox.
August 27, 2024
We loved Michele from the first time we met her. She was always so sweet and caring. We are so sorry for her loss to Bob. We will miss her forever.
Vonda Cantor
August 27, 2024
I am so very sorry to hear of Michele's passing. She was always so friendly to me and helped me in many ways. Praying for Bob and the rest of the family.
Billie Walker
August 27, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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