Michelle Bailey

Michelle Ansara Bailey, 72, of Dearborn, Mich., passed away on June 5, 2023, after her long battle with cancer. She was born on June 9,1950 in Grand Rapids to the late Frederick and Olga Ansara. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 42 years David, and daughters Kathryn (Alicia) and Elizabeth, and grandson Jayson; Her aunt Mildred Laham along with her close cousins Sandra Laham, Salim Laham (Sue), Steve Laham (Molli), Kathleen Burnham (Daniel), Arthur Laham, Darryl “Skip” Sartor (Carol), Dede Havens (Randy), Richard Laham (Karen), niece Laura Ansara, sister-in-law Shirley Ansara, brother and sister-in-law Lawrence and Maureen Lehman, niece Laura Lehman and dear friend Darlene Headrick. She was preceded in death by her brother Lawrence Ansara and nephew William Ansara and sister-in-law Barbara Bailey.

Michelle attended Ottawa Hills High School and graduated from both Kendall College of Art and Design and Aquinas College. She used her broad artistic skills at a number of ad agencies before ending her career at The Detroit News. Her love of art didn’t stop at drawing. Creativity showed in all aspects of her life whether it be up-cycling hidden gems that she trash-picked or her inventive cheers on the sidelines of her daughters’ sports games. She had a knack for upholstery and filled the house with oversized wing-back chairs and ottomans “for her next  project.” Many of her completed projects reside in various family members homes’ today.

Family was a huge part of Michelle’s life. Bringing her loved ones together for holiday dinners  was always a production complete with orders shouted from the kitchen while she cooked.  Everyone had their role in making the gathering something extra special and rest assured, no picture frame was left un-dusted.

Michelle was known for her stern but caring big heart, always more than willing to help out anyone who needed anything. Everyone was welcome in her home, with two simple stipulations: remember to take your shoes off at the door and make sure you have the paper towel handy, as God forbid, you got water on her wood floors. She touched many, many lives and will be dearly missed. May her memory be eternal.

The funeral service honoring her life will be held at 11am on Monday June 12, 2023 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 334 LaGrave Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Visitation  will be Sunday June 11, 2023 at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 5-8pm with a Trisagion service at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, the Basilica of St. Mary of Livonia or the American Cancer Society.

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