Name: Memorial Gathering for Michele Anna Robotham Corey
Start: 2021-04-11T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-04-11T21:00:00.000Z
Location: 1521 W. Ottawa St.

Michele Anna Robotham Corey

Lansing - Age 53, she was born September 4, 1967 and passed away, March 30, 2021 in Lansing.

Michele was deeply devoted to her family and friends. She was the most gracious and generous person, always opening her home and heart to all who came her way.

Michele's career mirrored her caring and love for children, serving for many years at Michigan's Children as a child advocate, a job she enjoyed immensely, serving as Vice President of Programs.

Michele is survived by her husband of 22 years, Tom; children: Madonna, Jacob, Andrew, and Sarah; grandchildren: Giovanni and Valencio; her parents: Kathryn Baughman, and Ron (Nives) Robotham; a brother, Mike (Betchie); as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

There will be a memorial gathering held Sunday, April 11, 2021 1:00-5:00 p.m. at 1521 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, Michigan 48915. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal from Apr. 1 to Apr. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michele Corey

Sponsored by Estes-Leadley Funeral Home - Lansing.

13 Entries

Melissa Freel

April 14, 2021

My deepest condolences go out to Michele's family. I knew Michele through our work on the Kids Count project over the last 25+ years. She was the epitome of a child advocate and the children of Michigan were truly blessed to have her voice for them. You are gone from us too soon friend, may we continue your work forward in your honor.

Sarah Britton

April 12, 2021

I worked closely with Michele on various projects that focused on youth in the community. Michele was so passionate about advocating for disconnected youth. She would get fired up about injustices and making sure all youth had a voice in front of policy makers. She was always smiling and willing to do whatever it took to provide opportunities. It is with tremendous sadness and a heavy heart knowing that I won't be able to plan our Kids Speak events together anymore. My heart goes out to her family - please know that she was loved by all of her friends at Peckham.

Leann D.

April 9, 2021

I worked with Michele briefly as an intern, and I could not think of a better mentor. In that short time, it was obvious how deeply she cared--and how adeptly she would advocate--for everyone in the community. I am honored to have known her.

Lorraine Thoreson

April 8, 2021

I met Michele many years ago through my work in early childhood and out-of-school time programs at the Michigan Department of Education. We shared so many values and dreams for the field and the children of Michigan. Her life was far too short, but it made a big impact on the world. I’ll always remember her and her impact on me.

Leisa Gallagher

April 8, 2021

I remember wanting to be Michele's friend when she presented Kid's Count information in Kent County in 1998.(?). Her intellectual fierceness, energy, and kindness struck me. When I began working at Michigan Department of Education in 2005, I got to actually work with her. Perhaps my most treasured professional memories are of our shared work on the Superintendent's Dropout Challenge. Michele, Jan Ellis, Bersheril Bailey and I worked on dropout prevention for almost five years and I was so proud to work beside her. In addition, her listening sessions convened to highlight the needs of children placed in foster care changed how I want to work. Now, I try to include student voice in any project with which I'm connected. Michele made me laugh and think and I am so sad to lose her.

Bersheril Bailey

April 8, 2021

I had the pleasure and privilege to work with Michele on various dropout prevention collaborative efforts between Michigan's Children and the Michigan Department of Education. Michele was one of the most caring and committed individuals I have worked with. She will be missed. My prayers for comfort to her family and friends.

Scott Dzurka

April 6, 2021

I had an opportunity to work with Michele in various roles for the last 20 years. She always fought the good fight for kids. She was a pleasure to work with, cared deeply about her work, and was so knowledgeable about policy issues. Even through challenges, her positive personality always prevailed.

Bob Steeh

April 3, 2021

I met Michele through MACAE and worked with her on many projects advocating for the betterment of people’s lives. Two words that describes Michele and how she lived life is, “giver”, and “family”. She taught MACAE and me how to advocate, and gave us her knowledge and expertise in working with legislators and policy makers. Michele was a strategic thinker, who was compassionate, kind and creative. I am going to miss our long discussions on how we would save the world and her stories of the family restaurant and our mutual love for Lebanese cuisine.

Kelly Yerby

April 2, 2021

Michele was my next door neighbor. How I will miss our visits together while taking a brake from yard work. Speaking with Michele was magical. Michele was smart, insightful, and absolutely hilarious! Michele loved her life with Tom and their beautiful children. Whenever I saw her from afar with her family, her eyes and body language revealed a woman filled with joy and gratitude. She loved them with all her heart.

Andy Saladin

April 1, 2021

Michele and I graduated together. She and I has many great memories. Church youth group, French Class, Europe trip. I am very saddened by this news. RIP Michele. I know you will be missed!

Denise Dorigo Jones

April 1, 2021

Dear Tom, Madonna, Jacob, Andrew, Sarah and family,
Michele took our son under her wing and helped him as he began work at Michigan's Children. Her kindness was a gift. You have been and will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Denise and Bob Dorigo Jones

Maribeth Dickerson Graff

April 1, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Michele's family. I was heartbroken to learn she was taken from us too soon. I had the honor of working with Michele on various child welfare issues. Although I changed fields several years back, I still consider her a friend. She was a bright light and passionate about her work.

Tony Costello

April 1, 2021

Thanks Michele for always being a great advocate for children. It was a pleasure working with her on the MACAE Board and she will be greatly missed. Offering thoughts and prayers to her family.

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