Michele Atallah

Obituary of Michèle Atallah
ALBANY -
Michèle Atallah of Albany, NY - beloved mother, teacher, family member, and friend - passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025 at the age of 66, surrounded by love.
Born on May 8, 1959, in Beirut, Lebanon, Michèle - "Micha" to those closest to her - was the spirited and determined daughter of Ibrahim Atallah and Gisèle Saad. At age 15, she left Lebanon for Clermont-Ferrand, France, to complete her high school education before moving to Syracuse, New York. She eventually settled in Albany, where she attended the University at Albany for both her undergraduate and graduate studies, building the foundation for a life rooted in community, purpose, and care.
Michèle found her calling in teaching languages, inspiring countless students through her long and dedicated career. From her early days teaching in Duanesburg to her years in Albany-where she met her loving husband-and then to Bethlehem, where she proudly taught for 37 years, Michèle touched the minds and hearts of countless students. Her passion for languages was contagious, and her compassion made every student feel seen and valued. In recent years, she returned to her alma mater, UAlbany, to share her love of learning with college students - a full-circle moment that filled her with joy.
Beyond the classroom, Michèle had another great love: volleyball. She played, coached, and refereed across the Northeast and beyond, encouraging players from their teenage years through college with the same enthusiasm and dedication she brought to her classrooms. Her energy, humor, and guidance inspired everyone around her - whether on the court or off.
Michèle leaves behind a profound absence in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a compassionate listener whose advice often centered on one simple truth: be true to yourself. Through her warmth and wisdom, she helped so many people see their own light - and the beauty in the world around them. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and radiant spirit.
Gone too soon, Michèle leaves behind a space that can never be filled, but her love, laughter, and lessons will continue to live on in everyone she touched. Her family, friends, students, and colleagues will forever remember her infectious smile, unwavering positivity, and the love she shared so freely.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree, or even an acorn, in her memory - a lasting reminder of her love for growth, nature, and life. If you do not have the space to plant please consider donating to the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy in her memory: https://www.mohawkhudson.org/michele-atallah-memorial-gifts
"Listen to the wind, it talks.
Listen to the silence, it speaks.
Listen to your heart, it knows."
Please join us in celebrating Michèle's life at Thacher Park (In the Helderberg Room at the Visitor's Center) on Friday, November 7, 2025, anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. We ask that you not wear black and instead bring a written memory or photo to help fill the space with love.