Michelle Szymanski Obituary

Michelle J. Szymanski

3/20/62 - 11/10/11

Beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Born in Louisiana but raised on Pensacola Beach, FL. She considered herself a "beach girl". She loved the ocean and the sand and worshipped the sun. She loved sea shells and everything to do with the ocean including surfing, boating swimming and watching the incredible sunsets. For the past several years she lived with her mother and best friend (Marcella Szymanski) in Lantana, FL.

Michelle graduated from Pensacola Junior College in 1978. She held many positions over the years but was happiest when working and dealing with the public. She had an incredible sense of humor and could make anyone laugh with her funny ways. She had a great sense of style and fashion. She loved The Grateful Dead.

She loved animals, particularly her cats....all cats! She supported many animal protection organizations. Michelle loved her plants, watered and "talked" to them everyday. She could grow anything!

Michelle was so special and loved dearly. What a character she was! She will be overwhelmingly missed by her family and her absense has caused a great void in our hearts.

She is survived by her mom Marcella Szymanski, her sisters Ramona Connelly and Alice Bohannon, her nieces Isabella Connelly and Haley Bohannon, her nephew Jack Bohannon and her cherished friend Randy Marsh.

A special "surfers memorial" and paddle out will be done for Michelle and held at a future date on Pensacola Beach for family and close friends.

Donations may be made in her name to The Humane Society of the U.S. 2100 "L" St. N.W. Washington DC, 20037.

I Am Still With You

I give you this one thought to keep. I am with you still - do not weep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone- I am with you still-in each new dawn.

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Published by the Pensacola News Journal from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Michelle Szymanski

12 Entries

December 13, 2011

I was also at St. Michael's with Michelle and I considered her one of my good friends. She was always warm and had a smile on her face. I recently lost my brother and I understand the feeling of lost that cannot be filled. My prayers to the family and she will be missed. Lisa Townsend Robinson

P.J. G.

November 23, 2011

To the family of Michelle J. Szymanski my condolences for your loss, although you may grieve now and weep tears of sadness may the hearer of prayer help you to endure this time of sadness and grant you peace as spoken of at Psalm 65:2

November 22, 2011

So sorry to hear of Michelle's passing. I am an old friend from Louisiana and knew all of the family and her sisters since they were little. Please contact Charlene Grafton [email protected]
Please Marcie-have looked for you since you left to teach in Va.

Kristen Jensen Eggert

November 21, 2011

I echo Genie and Cindy's comments about Michelle at St. Michael's. Michelle came on the scene and her beauty was quite intimidating at first. But she was warm and humble and friendly to everybody. We all had a great overnight at her beachhouse in 8th grade. Though I haven't seen her since Gulf Breeze High School I am certain her loss is terribly difficult to all who were in her life. I pray for her and for you.

Jackie Watson Johnson

November 21, 2011

Alice~
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your sister. I can't imagine the pain you are all going through. I'm praying for each of you.

November 21, 2011

Alice, I am so very sorry for the loss of your sister. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.~ Judy Rice Green, Sarasota, Florida

Cindy Henning Guttmann

November 20, 2011

I went to school with Michelle in 8th grade at St. Michael's Catholic school, 1975-1976. She was considered the "cool Beach girl". She was the first to wear desert boots and we all had to have them. She will always be the "cool beach girl". My prayers are for Michelle and for your family.

Genie Brazwell

November 20, 2011

Marcy, Alice & Mona,
I will always remember the first time I saw Michelle walking into the seventh grade classroom of Saint Michael's School. I was impressed by her beauty, her self-confidence and the warmth that radiated from her. I just knew that I would never be so lucky to become friends with such a “cool” girl; fortunately, I was wrong. Michelle's striking appearance paled in comparison to richness of her friendship. I feel incredibly lucky to have known Michelle and honored to have had her as a good friend. She will be forever in my heart and occupy a special place in my memories. Much Love, Genie

Paula Wade

November 19, 2011

1979, Halloween Party at your old beach house: you & Michelle were all wrapped up in some metallic fabric, and I have forgotten what you were calling yourselves, but it was priceless. A great memory, and there are so many more. I want you to hug yourself, Marci & Moni for me, and know that I love you so much. Michelle was a beautiful girl in a beautiful loving family. May God comfort you and hold you all especially close. Paula and Oscar

Marilyn Holloway

November 19, 2011

Alice your sister is in heaven looking down on you smiling listening to her music. My thoughs and prayers are with you and your family..

Vera FitzPatrick

November 19, 2011

Alice I am so sorry to hear about your sister. You and your family will be in my prayers and thoughts. God bless you.

Sherri Cesare

November 18, 2011

I love you Michelle. You were a dear and great friend. My condolences to mom and the family. You will be missed.
Sherri

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