Michelene Cave

Michelene Cave

February 5, 1953 – January 30, 2026

Michelene Cave, 72, of Newburgh, New York, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2026.

Born on February 5, 1953, in Poughkeepsie, New York, she was the daughter of Robert Cave and

Nettie (Johnson) Cave. Michelene was raised in the Hudson Valley and graduated from Franklin

D. Roosevelt High School before continuing her education at Dutchess Community College.

Michelene built an impressive and accomplished career in technology during a time when

women were significantly underrepresented in the field. She began her telecommunications

career at New York Telephone Company and went on to serve as an MVS Systems

Programmer at NYNEX from 1984 to 1994, where she developed deep technical expertise in

mainframe systems.

From 1994 to 1997, she served as Director of Operations and Technology for Affiliated

Customer Technology (ACS), demonstrating both technical acumen and leadership capabilities

overseeing operations and technology strategy.

In 1998, Michelene joined IBM, as a Staff Software Engineer until 2012. At IBM, she was

highly respected for her knowledge, precision, and problem-solving skills. Her decades-long

career reflected her intelligence, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

After retiring from IBM, Michelene's entrepreneurial spirit remained strong. She became a

Market America independent consultant, embracing the opportunity to build relationships and

share products she believed in. She enjoyed connecting with others.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Michelene embraced life with enthusiasm. Known

for her vibrant personality, she especially loved the color purple and the beauty of amethyst,

which reflected her bold and joyful spirit. In her later years, she found enjoyment in trips to the

casino, sharing laughter and fun with family and friends.

Michelene will be remembered for her lively spirit, her strength, and the joy she brought to those

around her, particularly the children in her life. Her love for her family was constant and

unwavering.

She is survived by her daughter, Chelaine Jones, and her cherished grandson, Markell Jones-

Francis (Abby DeCrenza). She is also survived by her sisters, Roxanne Cave, Adrian Barnes,

Cathy Cave (Sherry Frohman), and her brothers, Robert Cave II, John Cave (Dione). In a family

where cousins are as close as siblings her niece Zoia Pearson held a special place in her heart.

Michelene's nieces and nephews knew that they belonged to her; Alexa, Lettina, Tara, Meredith,

Karima, Robbie, Jody, Cori, Tianna, Rianna, Arianna and her grand nieces and nephews were

all loved by her.

She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Nettie Cave, and by her brothers, William Cave

and Daniel Cave.

Calling hours for family and friends will be held at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home on Saturday,

February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a service taking place at 12:30 p.m.

Michelene's intelligence, independence, laughter, and love will forever remain in the hearts of

those who knew her.