Michelle Elizabeth Millerick was born to Barbara and Daniel Millerick amid much joy on March 15, 1995. He beautiful eyes and strong spirit captured the hearts of her parents from that moment on.
After Michelle’s first year of life, her mother made the wise and heartfelt decision to quit a well-paying job and devote her energies to developing a licensed home day care, so that she could spend as much time with her wonderful daughter as possible.
As Michelle grew, she distinguished herself as a good friend, passionate playmate, and suprisingly unselfish toddler, given the sometimes diffcult expectations placed on her by the necessities of a day care in her own home. Somewhat rebellious, Michelle still grew and thrived in the home day care setting. Her mother’s strength, competence, and devotion to fairness were instilled early in Michelle’s heart. These qualities, tested over and over again during the latter part of her brief life, helped Michelle bear the almost insurmountable challenges and suffering forced upon her by childhood cancer.
Michelle’s parents always tried to put their family first. Michelle made several trips with her mom, dad, and little sister Danielle (2 ½ years old) to northern Connecticut, many parts of the country including Hawaii to visit family and friends. She was a second grader at S.B. Butler school where she and her family received extraordinary support from the surrounding community. Michelle loved to swim. She had a certain flair for dressing and playing imaginative games.
Her fight against a rare form of bone cancer lasted almost two years. During that time, she never lost her fighting spirit or passion for life. Her life is a tribute to all who knew and loved her.
Michelle’s family will greet relatives, friends, and caregivers to remember and celebrate her life at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Sunday from 5-8pm. Her service will be on Monday at 10:30 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Old Mystic.
Dan & Barbara request that donations in Michelle's memory be made to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) Oncology Clinic, 282 Washington Street, Hartford CT 06106.
Michelle’e personal website may be found at www.caringbridge.org/page/mmillerick.