Michelle Millard Bunch

1979 - 2015

NEWPORT NEWS - Michelle Millard Bunch, 36, daughter of Bob and Cindy Millard and wife of Joshua Bunch, passed away Friday, August 14, 2015, after a seven year battle with cancer. Born June 15, 1979 at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Illinois, she spent her formative years in Heidelberg, Germany, absorbing the culture of Europe. Michelle graduated from Peninsula Catholic High School in 1997 and from Christopher Newport University in 2002 with a degree in Government Administration - Criminal Justice. She was a corrections officer at Tidewater Regional Correctional Facility in Suffolk and left that position to become a Smithfield police officer. In 2008, she became the Operations Manager at Pinkerton Government Services where she obtained a top secret clearance and was responsible for the security (through government contracts) for Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Newport News Shipyard and Raytheon. Michelle had a passion for life and work along with the courage and strength to handle adversity. She loved animals, especially her dogs, the mountains and snow, skiing and competitive figure skating in her youth. She was blessed with a beautiful voice, was in All State Chorus in New York, and performed in several local graduations, for the mayor and for the bishop, In 1998, she was selected to be part of the Virginia Choral Society. Her sense of humor was infectious, she loved to laugh and make people happy. This sustained her through her long battle with cancer. Mina leaves behind uncles and aunts, Robert Pratt (Jeanette) of Katy, Texas, Richard Pratt (Ann) of Jericho, Vermont, Dr. William Millard of Gainesville, Florida, Donald Millard of Aspen, Colorado, Barb Millard Stone (Archie) of Madison, Connecticut; father and mother-in-law, Keith and Karon Bunch; sister and brother-in-law, Samantha and Mike Higgins; and her step-children, Jordan and Wyatt. Mina also leaves behind her law enforcement family, whom she loves and respects. Many thanks to Dr. David Schiff, her Neuro-Oncologist and to Amanda Lane, Kristie Coles and all the staff at the University of Virginia Division of Neuro-Oncology for your love and support. Michelle considered you as her second family and her heroes. A memorial service will be held 4 pm Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Denbigh Chapel, followed by a Celebration of Life at Kiln Creek Country Club at 6 pm. Michelle has requested that everyone wear casual clothing to both events. Memorial donations may take the form of contributions to the UVA Neuro-Oncology Brain Tumor Research Fund and mail to: David Schiff, M.D. (Attn: Bruce Leffler), Division of Neuro-Oncology, UVA Health System, Hospital West Room 6228, Charlottesville, VA 22908 Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.altmeyerfuneralandcremation.com