Obituary of Michele Denise Richard
Miami, FL
Our beloved Michele passed into eternal peace on April 26th, 2023 at age 69. Born on June 27th,
1953 in Brooklyn, New York, she moved to Miami at age 14 after her mother had sworn off New
York City winters for the sway of palm trees.
Michele attended Killian Senior High School where her fate was sealed as she finally gave into a
date with Mark — to get him to stop stalking her. To her surprise they fell in love as high school
sweethearts.
Michele was a proud graduate of Miami Dade College, FIU, and Goddard College. After being steered
into pursuing a career in elementary education by her mother Edna, Michele began a teaching
career in 1974 at A.L. Lewis Elementary under the mentorship of leading educator Laura Saunders
(for whom the school is now named). Years later Michele transferred to Gloria Floyd Elementary to
serve with leading principal Christina Eve. Michele was an outstanding educator with a special skill
for teaching reading and writing.
She left the classroom when her second born child came into this world. She did the most noble
work — raising her two daughters, Lauren Dana and Denise Nicole. Since Michele took on the hard
work, her husband Mark was able to slack off as a Professor at Miami Dade College and as a
nationally recognized union lawyer. Together they were proud union activists.
Their 48 year marriage was underscored by laughter, non-stop teasing and an incredible romance.
This love affair included the mutual excitement of traveling the world — and indulging in retail.
The ultimate highlight of her life was raising her children. She lit up with the birth of her
granddaughter Kaylin Reese and mastered the art of spoiling, loving and guiding her.
She was an incredible mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister and best friend. Simply put —
she was genuinely the nicest, and most positive soul to many. She unexpectedly left this world too
early. Michele’s unique and endless love is forever the benchmark for us to meet.
Michele is survived by her husband Mark Richard, daughters Lauren Setlen and Denise Richard,
granddaughter Kaylin Setlen, sister Arlene Dixon, brother Robert Neuman and a bunch of very cool
amazing nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the two charities:
Michele Denise Richard Future Students Scholarship at Miami Dade College Foundation:
https://www.mdcfoundation.com/donation-pages/-michele-denise-richard-future-students-
scholarship--mdc-foundation
OR TO:
The Jackson Health Foundation, at https://jacksonhealthfoundation.org/donate: This gift is in
special recognition of the heroic work of Dr. David Woolsey.
Arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.
