Michelle Susanna Youngers

Michelle Susanna Youngers, born in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Marion and Peggy Youngers. Michelle entered into eternal life on June 26, 2025, at the age of 66 in Washington, DC after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer.
Although Michelle left us far too soon, she lived a rich and inspiring life. Michelle spent her early years as the middle child of five in Michigan, Virginia, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Michelle was a brilliant student, accomplished singer, dancer, artist, seamstress, and enjoyed skiing, swimming and travelling with her family. In 1977, Michelle was Junior Miss of Waukesha, winning the top scholar award and scholarship in the state of Wisconsin Junior Miss Pageant. A proud Wisconsin Badger, she graduated with Honors from the University of Wisconsin in 1981 with a double major in Italian and Psychology. This included studying abroad her junior year at the University of Bologna which began her lifelong love for Italy, a place she would go back and visit often. Michelle earned her Masters of Information Science at the University of Pittsburgh where she was awarded a full scholarship and Teaching Assistant position and met the love of her life, Paul Tierney.
Michelle and Paul married in June of 1986 building their family in the DC area, and ultimately Reston, Virginia. Michelle's pride and joy were her three sons Stephen, Matthew and Brady, having paused her career for five years to be home with them. Michelle was exceptionally active in their school and extracurricular activities. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, room parent, Drama Booster and volunteer, and active in the PTA where she was credited with the fundraising, design and building of a new elementary school playground.
Michelle was a gifted and accomplished Computer Engineering and IT professional, starting as a software engineer and then transitioning to software sales. She was admired both as a top-performing individual contributor and as a leader who built and inspired high-performing teams.
For the last 16 of her 40-year career, Michelle found deep purpose in supporting national security. She was dedicated to providing critical technology solutions to the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.
She was the kind of boss people remember, the one who always had your back. Integrity, grace, dedication, and kindness were hallmarks of her work. Michelle retired in August 2024 noting her 40-year professional journey and the lifelong friendships she made.
Above all else, Michelle loved spending time with family and friends. She was loyal, devoted, and well-known for easing every mood with her dry sense of humor and quick wit. She had an incredibly rich social community marked by frequent dinners at home over wine, turkey-shoots at the lake gazebo, Thanksgiving and Fourth of July get-togethers that were way too large, Wednesday nights at Gregorios with dear friends, international travel, and lemon drop martinis or Chardonnay at the beach with Paul and lifelong friends. Michelle was a devoted sister, aunt and cousin always connecting family near and far and making everyone feel included and loved.
She is preceded in death by her Father Marion, Mother Peggy, brother Jeffrey, and sister Denise. Michelle is survived by her husband of 39 years Paul Tierney; children Stephen, Matthew and Brady; siblings Nicholas, Sidney, and Lisa as well numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved so dearly.
In the words of Michelle upon retirement, "It's been quite a ride. Now, I'm off to the beach with a lemon drop martini in hand!"
Visitation will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Adams Green Funeral Home, Herndon, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Michelle S Youngers Foundation to benefit Special Olympics and other organizations at
www.themichellesyoungersfoundation.org