Michele Carney Michalcewiz, age 56, passed away peacefully in her home on April 8th, 2026 surrounded by her family and friends, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Michele was the third of four daughters born to the late Brenda and Michael Carney. She attended Holy Angels grade school and St. Mark’s high school where she made lifelong friends that she considered family.
Michele was a graduate of the University of Delaware. She moved into the Dickinson dorms the spring semester of her freshman year, where she met and fell in love with her best friend and soulmate, Bill Michalcewiz. Shortly after graduating, they married and were blessed with two daughters, Brynn and Erin.
Nothing was more important to Michele than her daughters, who she cherished more than anything in the world. Although their time with Michele was far too short, they filled it with treasured memories. The family spent their summers at country concerts, vacationing in Dewey Beach, and simple, quiet evenings together as a family on the deck. Michele included their dog Duke in all activities as he was Michele’s shadow and the fifth member of the Michalcewiz family.
Michele taught at St. Mary of the Assumption preschool for two decades. Michele loved her students, the women that she taught with, and the community that she had at St. Mary’s.
Michele defied all odds when it came to her battle with cancer. Michele turned the months she was given to live at diagnosis into years with her family. Her strength and will to fight for those she loved will be remembered.
Michele is survived by her loving husband, Bill; her daughters Brynn (Graham) and Erin; her sisters Denise (Robert) Craft, Kathleen (Brett) Denver, and Melissa (Mitchell) Carney-Pope; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends, who Michele considered her family. Michele was predeceased by her parents, Brenda and Michael Carney; and her loving dog, Duke.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church at 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. A funeral service will be held at the same location on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 10:30 AM.
Each morning, when Michele sent her daughters to school, she would tell them to “be a little silly today.” In lieu of flowers, please honor Michele by being a little silly each day. Spend time with family and friends. Laugh a lot and be happy. That is all she ever wanted for the people that she loved.
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