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BORN
1945
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Michele Hennessy Obituary
Michele was born May 17, 1945, in Northampton, the daughter of Oscar and Madeleine (Rivest) LeBlanc. She was a graduate of Marie Joseph Academy in Biddeford, Maine, and went on to study nursing at Western Mass Hospital in Westfield, and Holyoke Community College from which she earned a degree in nursing.
Michele worked for many years as a registered nurse at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.
Michele is adored and survived by Francis "Skip" Hennessy, her husband of 47 years; a daughter Erin Zuzula of Holyoke; a son Brian Hennessy and his wife Leiana of Williamsburg; a second son Robert Hennessy and his wife Carrie of Hatfield; and her five beloved grandchildren, Jeffrey, Mathew, Abby, Katelynn and Finn. Michele is also survived by a brother Gilbert LeBlanc of Northampton, and sisters Diane Greenwood of Florence, and Yvette Mushenski of Hadley. Michele was predeceased by her brother Paul.
Michele derived great pleasure from music and was an accomplished keyboardist. She spent many years conducting a children's choir at the former St. Catherine's Church in Leeds along with her sister Diane. She loved the Sound of Music and ALF, and often thought she should be the third judge on American Idol.
After retirement she volunteered as a nurse at the former NDIC School where she specialized in the application of magic band-aids. Michele was an avid golfer and played in many local leagues; she always enjoyed a trip to the casinos. Most of all Michele was devoted to her family and a fiercely loving grandmother to her five grandchildren.
The funeral will be Friday, June 24, at 9 a.m. in the Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Easthampton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in Holyoke. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Northampton. Visiting hours will be Thursday, June 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Michele's memory may be made to VNA Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA 01060. www.mitchellcofuneralhome.com.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michele Hennessy
Doris Rivard
June 17, 2023
Michele always had a good balance regarding playing golf. She maintained a sense of humor while still trying her best. Was always good company on the course.
July 3, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Michel's passing. We worked together in the ED and have kept in touch since retirement.. We have moved to SC and I will miss her phone calls keeping me abreast on local news and her family:). I will remember her optimism and her deep love of family. RIP MICHELE.
With my deepest sympathy , Linda Ksieniewicz
Sarah Xochitl Bervera
June 26, 2016
Skip, Bob, Erin, Brian and all your families,
I just wanted to send a lot of love your way at this moment of loss. Your mom/Michele was an amazing woman. She was hilarious and kind and determined and talented and real. She taught me many things. She touched many lives and one of them was mine. She was so wonderful to me when we were in High School. I will never forget her dinner table jokes, her incredible casino luck, her music playing with Bob, her fierce love of all of you. It's been many years, but some people have a very long lasting impact and she was one. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry for your loss and grateful for the time you all had with her.
Pat Whitehead
June 25, 2016
To the Hennessy Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Michelle was a great lady. I just loved that wit about her. I will miss golfing with her and certainly miss her stories. But I have great memories of the times we spent together. Sorry I was unable to attend the services but I was away. RIP Michele
Annie Walton
June 24, 2016
"Godspeed" Michele...enjoy the heavenly cribbage game!
Pat Whitehead
June 23, 2016
To the Hennessey family.
My sincere sympathy. Michelle was such a great lady with a great since of humor. Just loved her. I am sorry I'm unable to attend the services. I am away for a few weeks. Thoughts & prayers are with you. RIP Michelle.
Denese Beliveau
June 23, 2016
Dear Dion (Diane) my old friend. My heart aches for the loss of your big sis. How difficult it must be to lose a sibling. I remember when the three of us took that road trip to Burlington to the convent. Even with all the decades passed, you will never know how often you have been in my thoughts, in a very loving way. You and your family will be in my thoughts tomorrow, Friday, as you lay your dear sister to eternal rest. Bless you.
David Hentz
June 23, 2016
So sorry to hear of your loss, I like to remember all the good times when you lived next door. R.I.P. Michele!
Paul Morey
June 23, 2016
On behalf of the Morey family, our sincerest condolences. Michele was an amazing lady and fought a difficult battle. Will never forgot her wonderful music at NDIC!
June 23, 2016
Diane, my friend, there are no adequate words to express my Sadness and Sorrow for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Jacqueline Routhier
June 23, 2016
Erin, We are sorry to hear of your mom passing. Our thoughts are with you. May she rest in peace. Jackie, Dan & Jeremy
Lori
June 22, 2016
Brian and family, my thoughts are with you all during this hard time. Brian, I still remember you playing Hungry Hungry Huppo with Anthony back in the day. Way she rest in peace and give your Dad my thoughts and prayers. Lori
Paul Rivest
June 22, 2016
A sad day. Our condolences to the whole family.
Paul Rivest & Kim Hiscott
June 22, 2016
Sorry for your loss. Michele was a wonderful person. R.I.P. Michele. Take care. Terry Carr
June 22, 2016
Throughout her battle with her illness, Michele made wonderful memories for her family to remember her. She will be missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace Michele.
Your sister Diane
June 22, 2016
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family on the passing of your Mom. It is never easy to lose a parent, no matter your age. I pray for your peace and comfort as you continue your life journey without your Mom's earthly presence.
Love to all, Auntie Yvette
June 22, 2016
Michele was a great source of inspiration. Her amazing spirit will live on in all who knew her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Skip, Erin and their family.
The Valine Family
Joanie Callini
June 22, 2016
I was deeply saddened to hear of Michelle's recent passing. I have never met a women with such strength, determination and a wonderful sense of humor to top it off. My prayers are with her family/ friends and may the memories each of you have put a smile on your face like the one she always wore
Margaret Curtiss
June 22, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are such an amazing family, it's hopeful to see so much love can exist in this world. Peace to all of you.
Doris Rivard, League President
June 22, 2016
Truly enjoyed Michele's company on the golf course, and was fortunate to be with her the last time she was able to play golf. I admired Michele's attitude, strength and determination not to let her illness get her down. Michele will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to Michele's family. EMCC Ladies Tuesday League
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