UNADILLA - Michelle Leigh Nolan, 45, was born on Jan. 27, 1979, at Fox Hospital in Oneonta. She tragically, but peacefully, left this world on Feb. 21, 2024.

She was the beloved daughter of Ken and Barbara Nolan of Gilbertsville. Her light touched the lives of all who knew her.

Michelle's life was filled with love and compassion, and she faced each day with a contagious laugh and smile that brought joy to those around her. Selfless like her father, Michelle always put others before herself and her kind spirit made her a pillar of strength for her family and friends.

On Michelle's journey, she graduated from Gilbertsville-Mount Upton CSD in 1997.

She spent most of her years as a caregiver to children around the community she grew up in and held so dear and more so to her daughter and nieces and nephews. Later, she continued in the field of child care where she could continue to do what, anyone who knew her was aware, was her calling in life. She held a position at Head Start where she lifelong friends and grew strong bonds and touched the lives of many children and families with her warmth and kindness.

Beyond her passion of making a difference in children's lives, she was known for spreading "Acts of Kindness" along with family, friends, and others from the community along Main Street in Oneonta. She held signs with a variety of positive affirmations on them to uplift the community, hoping to make a difference in people's lives. Her continued commitment to helping others left a permanent mark on the hearts of those she encountered throughout her life.

In her free time Michelle found solace in her hobbies of painting as well as attaining a huge love for fitness. She fell in love with taking Zumba classes and a variety of different races and obstacle runs. Along the way she made more lifelong friends. Anyone who knew Michelle, knew the thing she loved to do most with her time was spend time with her daughter Jenna, the love of her life.

Michelle was predeceased by her father, Ken Nolan; aunts, Ken's twin sister, Maureen Brown and Mary West; and most recently her cousin, Thomas Hall; uncle, Bucky Blanchard; and aunt, Martha Nolan.

She is survived by her daughter, Jenna Nolan; mother, Barbara (Smalley) Nolan; sisters, Rachel Nolan; Maureen Nolan (Donny Rowe) and Diane Nolan, brother, David Nolan; nephews, Joseph, Hunter and Rece; nieces, Mara, Kelsey, Kira and Sophia; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; as well as all those who referred to her as "Aunt Shelly" even as they got older. Their lives are forever enriched by the love and joy Michelle brought into their world.

In every interaction Michelle's character shone brightly embodying the values of kindness and generosity. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her infectious laugh and bright smile will be remembered always by all who love her.

May Michelle rest in peace. Her spirit will forever be cherished in the heart of those she loved and those who loved her. She can now be with "dad" in peace with the person she missed being with the most. As they both liked to say, "This too shall pass."

Memorial service arrangements will be announced in the near future.

Michelle's family has entrusted her care to the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.johnstonfh.com.