Michele Kano

In Loving Memory of Michele Kano
January 5, 1970 - January 2, 2026
Michele Kano, 55, of New Jersey, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 2, 2026, surrounded by family who loved her deeply.
Born on January 5, 1970, Michele was a spirited and sensitive soul who loved animals fiercely and connected with them in a way that was truly special. Her compassion for creatures big and small was one of the most enduring threads in her life - a quiet kind of magic that never went unnoticed.
She also had a lifelong love for penguins - her favorite animal and a symbol of joy, loyalty, and playfulness. Anyone who knew Michele well knew how much she adored them, and it always brought a smile to her face (and to ours).
She was raised by Howard and Cathy LeJambre, who instilled in her a strong will and deep sense of loyalty. Though Michele was an only child, she shared a lifelong sisterhood with her best friend Jeanette - a bond that brought her laughter, comfort, and constancy through every chapter of her life.
Michele briefly served in the United States Air Force, a chapter of her life marked by commitment, resilience, and pride. She made the honorable decision to leave military service in order to focus on motherhood and build a life rooted in family.
She later served as a Communications Operator at Garden State Youth Correctional Facility, where she worked faithfully from September 13, 2008, until the summer of 2025. She left her position only due to a difficult cancer diagnosis, which she faced with immense strength and courage. Her commitment to her role, her colleagues, and her daily responsibilities reflected her steady work ethic and quiet resilience.
She was the mother of three children: Kayla Kano, Erechia Kano, and Shane Sullivan, and a grandmother to Mary, Isabella, Sadie-Lynn, Emma Rae, and Janna.
In addition she was survived by cousin Kathleen Fisher, Dot Sexton & dear friend Kimmy Gautam
One of the great joys in Michele's life was her beloved dog, Loba, who she often described as her soul companion. After Loba's unexpected passing, Michele found comfort and healing in Lobo - a dog who found his way to her at just the right time. The bond they shared was deep and beautiful - a testament to the way animals loved her back just as fiercely.
Michele's life, like many, was filled with both joy and challenge. She was a woman of complexity, strength, humor, and love in her own way. Those who knew her will remember her laugh, her loyalty, her love for animals, and the quieter moments where her true self shone through.
She leaves behind a family that will continue to honor her life by holding onto the good, learning from the hard, and remembering her with both tenderness and truth.
Relatives and friends may attend Graveside Services on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11AM, at the Groveville Cemetery, Groveville, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Michele's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michele Kano, please visit our floral store.