Easthampton, MA – On October 6, 2026, Michele Ann McHale of Easthampton, MA passed away following a long and difficult second battle with cancer. The youngest child of 5 siblings, Michele was born on December 21, 1955 in Corning NY, to Francis Sr. and Alice (nee Holleran) McHale. Michele stayed in the Corning area until 1980, when she moved to Northampton, MA to attend Smith College as an Ada Comstock Scholar.
Michele began her career as a case manager for adults with cognitive disabilities. She then taught special education for over 30 years, initially at the NEARI School, located in Easthampton, MA. She began teaching at Hampshire Regional High School in the early 1990s and remained there until her retirement in 2023. She was passionate about her work and cared deeply about her students.
During her years living in the Pioneer Valley, Michele made many close friends and touched the lives of countless others. She had a strong, occasionally quirky and sarcastic sense of humor, along with an enormous heart.
Michele had several hobbies that brought her great joy. She enjoyed gardening, growing orchids, and sewing. An incredible baker and chef, Michele was renowned for her signature desserts. Her love of hosting celebrations brought multiple generations of family and friends together for decades. She will be deeply missed.
Michele is survived by her daughter, Ruth Elgers (nee. McHale-Alsen) and grandchildren, Jason Theriault and Thomas Sea Elgers; her siblings Thomas and wife Patricia McHale, Jane McHale, and Francis McHale; nieces and nephews John McHale, Alice Gear and husband Christopher Geyster and their children, Allie and Evie. Michele was predeceased by her parents and brother, Father Michael McHale.
Michele also leaves her chosen family, Grace Del Vecchio and Debbie Davis, Diane Langelier and family, Linda Wallack and family.
A Celebration of Life for Michele will be held Sunday, October 15, 2026 from 12:00 – 4 pm at 140 Pine St., Florence, MA. At 1:00 pm, family and friends are invited to share memories. The Celebration is meant to share the humor, love and joy that Michele regularly brought to those in her life. Please email photos, anecdotes or memories of Michele to ForMicheleMcHale@icloud.com
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