Michelle entered the world on November 5, 1956 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. She was the fourth child, born after Kenneth, Susan (Hickman), and William, and before Joseph. The siblings were very close, and always treated Michelle as the baby.
Michelle traveled the world, courtesy of her father’s employer, the United States Army. One of her stations was in the city of La Mirada, California, where, at the age of 16, she met her future husband, Jeffrey Yochim. They were married three years later, after she graduated high school. Early in their marriage, Michelle attended Santa Ana College.
Michelle was a devoted wife, faithful and caring, a wonderful partner in life for Jeff. The two were inseparable, and never in doubt of their love for each other. Together they made a home; they built a family. They remained married for over 48 years. Jeff was at her side in her final moments.
Michelle gave birth to three beautiful daughters: Melissa (Attebury), Susan (Walters), and Elizabeth (Clark), who gifted her with 12 amazing grandchildren: Logan, Joseph, Emma, Paige, Caitlyn, Parker, Liam, Kylie, Josh, Matthew, Hannah, and Autumn.
Her bonds with her daughters were strong, and her grandchildren (as well as their dogs!) were always excited to come to “Grandma’s house”, where she would defeat them at Rummikub and Spite-and-Malice, while spoiling them, often slipping them money.
Michelle was also a sometimes “Mom” to her daughters’ friends, always ready to listen to them, and share her motherly advice. Her nephews loved to tease her, nicknaming her, “Auntie Dearest”.
Michelle was the glue in all her relationships, initiating gatherings, bringing friends and family together. Her annual Wine and Cheese party will be missed.
Michelle juggled many jobs while maintaining her role as stay-at-home Mom, including stints at Beckman Instruments, and working as co-director of Religious Education at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Chandler, Arizona, where she was appreciated for her diligence, creativity, and tenacity in achieving her goals.
Michelle inherited a tasteful sense of style from her mother, with which she created a pleasant home for her family to live. She taught herself how to cook, and provided many exquisite meals for them. She also taught herself many different crafts, excelling at all she undertook.
Michelle was a holy woman, consecrated to Our Blessed Mother. She loved to pray the rosary and receive Holy Communion. She volunteered for Perpetual Adoration whenever she was able. She was always reading about the saints. In her final moments, she received an Apostolic Pardon. Those who love her – and there are many – take solace within our grief for our terrible loss in the fact that she is now at rest in the arms of Jesus.
Family and friends of the Yochim family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service for Michelle, which will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 2, beginning at 11:00 AM. A reception will be held at the Holy Spirit Social Hall immediately following.
Holy Spirit Catholic Church 1800 E Libra Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283
For those who wish to attend Michelle's interment, a committal rite will be held at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery's Saint Timothy Mausoleum and Garden on Thursday, October 3, beginning at noon.
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery 1562 E Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Starts at 12:00 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Funeral Home
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