Michelle Rita Hamm
ROCHESTER, NH - Michelle Rita Hamm of 11 Granite Street, lovingly known as “Shells Bells” to her family and friends, passed away on December 19, 2024, in Dover, New Hampshire, after a brief illness. She was born on January 5, 1969, in Berlin, New Hampshire, and grew up in Berlin and Henniker before her career led her to Niagara Falls, New York. A graduate of Berlin High School in 1987, Michelle earned an associate degree in Pulp and Paper Technology and Wastewater Management from New Hampshire Vocational College. Her deep passion for environmental stewardship guided her professional journey. She worked in environmental management throughout her career, with roles in Niagara Falls, NY, and Rumford, ME. Most recently, she served as the landfill environmental manager at Waste Management in Rochester, NH.
Michelle’s dedication to protecting the environment was recognized during her time with Monadnock Paper in Bennington NH with several honors, including the Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention in 2006 and the ISO 14001 certification. She also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her countless hours of work safeguarding New Hampshire’s rivers and streams. As a member of the prestigious “40 Under 40,” Michelle continuously demonstrated her commitment to leaving the world a better place for her child and grandchild.
When she wasn’t advocating for the environment, Michelle loved singing karaoke with her family under their stage name, “Three Sisters and a Niece,” delighting audiences wherever they performed. She cherished these joyful moments spent with her loved ones.
Michelle is remembered for her vibrant spirit, tireless work ethic, and boundless love for her family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of environmental activism, cherished memories, and the inspiration to continue protecting the planet.
In honor of Michelle’s wishes, there will be no formal service. A celebration of her life will be held later this summer, where family and friends can gather to remember and celebrate her remarkable life.
Michelle is predeceased by her loving mother, Marcelle Isabelle (Croteau) Aubin and survived by her daughter, Ashley Anderson; a granddaughter, Rosalee Anderson, of Bradford; her sissy, Jacqueline Mussey and her husband Albert of Webster; her sister and wingman Therese Coulombe of Eliot, Maine; her nieces and nephew; Kayla Croteau her children Amiah and Caide of Eliot, Maine, Kara Coulombe and her daughter Hana of Watertown, Mass; and Bronson Bouchard and his wife Jessica, of Farmington.
J.N. Boufford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
For more information and online guestbook please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.