Michele J. (Brown) Llanes, 70, was born and raised in Brockton and graduated from Brockton High School in 1972. She grew up the third of four girls, born to the late Dane Crosby Brown and Josephine Matilda (Phinney) Brown. Her parents passed their Native American heritage on to Michele, by giving her the Native American name Princess Summer Sun. She passed away peacefully in her home in Plympton on June 23. With her were her children John Duffy of Plympton and Sue-Ellen Duffy of Dorchester. She was the sister of Susan Seelye of West Bridgewater, Donna McElroy of Raynham and the late Paula Hamblin. She is also survived by Walter Duffy, the father of her children, and many many relatives.
Growing up and throughout her life, Michele was involved in a wide variety of activities: track, skiing, rollerblading, playing the violin and accordion, carpentry, art classes, and laughter yoga. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 38 years and retired as Postmaster of Plympton, MA. She will be remembered as a selfless, hard worker who served her customers with kindness and care. Michele was involved in Plympton’s civic affairs, serving on the Council on Aging and attending Town Meetings. She enjoyed regular get-togethers with her sisters, cousins, nephews and nieces.
Everyone felt Michele’s kindness. She spread it around generously, from family and friends to children and animals. People stopped by her home when they needed someone to talk to because she was nonjudgmental and unconditional in her love and always ready to help. At gatherings, she’d hang out with the kids with whom she shared a carefree spirit. She nursed birds back to health, took in rescue cats, and fed and watched the animals in her backyard.
Michele Llanes may have been small and delicate in physical stature—she reminded you of a soft, tiny mouse—but she was powerful and strong in spirit. She disarmed you easily at first, talking in her gentle way, but, soon enough, you realized this was a woman with steel for a spine.
Michele left her mark on everyone who knew her. In her memory, please share an act of kindness with someone.
Visiting hours for Michele will be held at the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123), Brockton, on Sunday, July 7, from 11am to 1pm, followed by a short service from 1 to 2pm. A private burial will take place at a future date.