Michèle Gilberte STAHL

1931 - 2014

STAHL, Michèle Gilberte

Michèle Gilberte Andrée Stahl passed away quietly on December 6, 2014 in Austin, Texas, after a few months fighting several medical issues. Born in Longeville, France on March 20, 1931, Michèle grew up in the small French town of Toul with five siblings. As a child during WWII, she was exposed to numerous war atrocities and tragedies when her hometown came under German occupancy and control. Even so, Michèle was an achiever and loved to learn, especially about different cultures and people. While in high school, "Mimi," as she was known by her French family and friends, became an exchange student for a year in England and a year in Germany. At seventeen, she earned her Baccalauréat (equivalent to a United States Bachelor's Degree) and obtained a job as a French-American translator at the American Air Base in Toul, France. In 1957, Michèle married U.S. Serviceman Paul DeLong and moved to Virginia in 1958. After three years they separated and later divorced. Due to the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness she found in America, Michèle decided to stay. She soon joined GEICO as an underwriter trainee. In her ten years there, she quickly advanced into management, gaining the respect and admiration of top management for her superior work ethics and abilities. In 1968, she met Quade Stahl, and they married in 1970. Due to Quade's career pathway, they moved from Bethesda, MD to Camarillo, CA, to Springfield, VA and finally in 1981 to Austin, TX.



Michèle proudly became a United States citizen in December 1974. Her large bright eyes and interest in people allowed her to easily make new friends. She derived pleasure from nature and getting to know her neighbors. She showed concern and compassion for other people, always trying to help when needed. Michèle was a neat and elegant dresser and did this inexpensively. Always industrious, Michèle had the energy of two persons. During her marriage to Quade, she was a remarkable homemaker, keeping their home exceptionally organized, clean and beautiful - both inside and out. She enjoyed changing the décor for various occasions; Christmas, by far, was her favorite holiday season. Her hobbies included knitting and needlepoint, for which she had a superb skill. As a teenager, Michèle helped support her family by knitting baby clothes for other families.



Michèle is preceded in death by her father, Gabriel Lance; her mother, Georgette (Pérignon) Lance; and her sister, Francine Lance. She is survived by her twin brother, James Lance; her other two brothers, Bernard and Jean-Claude Lance; her sister Nicole Vandycke; and loving husband, Quade Stahl.



Michèle's wish was to be cremated and have her ashes sent to her loving sister in France. A funeral mass will held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10205 Ranch Road 620 North, Austin, Texas. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the celebration of Michèle's wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association and/or the American Diabetes Association.