Michele deVilliers Helie Millard

West Palm Beach - Michele deVilliers Helie Millard was born in Santa Cruz, California, on November 22, 1950. She was married to her best friend and love of her life, Craig J. Millard, for fifty-four years. Her devoted son, Craig; daughter-in-law, Catherine, whom she affectionately referred to as her daughter; and her grandson, Sam (Samuel), all of whom she was forever proud of, reside in Denver, Colorado. She leaves her brother, Peter G. Helie; sister-in-law, Susan; and fourteen additional brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as twenty-six nieces and nephews, for whom she was often a mentor and guiding light. Her elegant mother, Geraldine Victoria Morgan, and father, Wallace F. Helies, predeceased her.

Michele died peacefully at home, on September 10, in the loving arms of her two Craig's, following a brief illness with metastatic melanoma, and was in the care of the Hospice of Palm Beach County.

Often recognized as a social steward of many worthy endeavors, it was Michele's smile that first drew you in, and her intelligence and genuineness would soon engulf one. Michele touched so many hearts with her kindness, sense of humor, gentleness, and poise, and will be cherished forever and missed by all who were blessed to come into her orbit.

Michele was a fashion model from early childhood to the early years of her marriage. Michele's stature, elegance, and grace made her a favorite of many international designers. Michele graduated from Chamberlain College with a degree in Interior design and was a lifetime member of the American Society of Interior Designers. Her impeccable natural eye for color and her love of historical design and architecture guided her illustrious work restoring many important homes and estates. After residing in Manhattan, the Millards moved to New Canaan, Connecticut, where they lived for a dozen years.

Michele was widely recognized as a hostess extraordinaire, whether at her oceanfront home in Newport, RI, her mountain home in Telluride, her townhome on Rittenhouse Square, her waterfront home in Palm Beach, or her high-rise condominium in West Palm Beach. She entertained many national and international figures, as well as classical music luminaries. Her all-afternoon magnificent luncheons were sought-after, celebrated events.

The Millards visited over one hundred different countries. Michele treated everyone she met with dignity and served as an example of American excellence and tolerance.

Michele scuba dived and kayaked in every ocean, and hiked on every continent, including Antarctica and the Arctic. Michele was an accomplished skier and boater. She often captained "Nightwatch" as the Millards navigated the length of the East Coast of America sixteen times and many sojourns to the outer Bahamas, particularly the Exumas, where she loved the solitude and endless days and nights with her love, Craig, and her puppy Sailor.

Michele served on the board of the Courageous Foundation beginning in 2001 as the owner of Courageous, a two-time America's Cup champion. She loved horses and the exhilaration of racing across the fields of the hunt club or trail riding in the mountains of Colorado. Few imagined when they met the graceful, sophisticated Michele that she was, deep in her soul, an adventurer and nature lover.

Michele co-chaired the Bower Awards at the Benjamin Franklin Institute. She served on the Philadelphia Museum of Art Advisory board and on the Board of the Center for Creative Education in Palm Beach. She co-chaired the Ultimate Dinner Party for the Children's Home Society and was a host for ten years.

Michele co-chaired the Rittenhouse Ball in Philadelphia and the Red Cross Luncheon in Palm Beach. Additionally, she chaired the American Cancer Society Ball in Palm Beach and the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children Gala, among others. She received the Helen Lord Award from the English-Speaking Union in Philadelphia and the Art Alliance Award of Merit for her dedication and devotion to the Arts.

Michele was a member of numerous clubs in several states and locally in Palm Beach, the Four Arts, the Beach Club, and Club Colette. The Millards are members of Bethesda by the Sea Episcopal Church.

Arrangements for a private celebration will be forthcoming. Instead of flowers, consider donating to the Hospice of the Palm Beach County Foundation or the American Cancer Society.