Michele L. Hamilton

Michele L. Hamilton, 51, of 19724 Villa Rosa Loop, Estero, FL passed away peacefully at home from this earth on May 19, 2020 and into the loving arms of Jesus. Michele was born February 7, 1969 in Cleveland, Ohio but lived most of her life in Toledo, OH. Michele was a 1987 graduate of St. Ursula Academy, Toledo, OH. After graduation her career endeavors included restaurant management, customer service management for Hickory Farms, and finally as an Export/Import Manager for MFA (Mark Feldstein & Assoc.), a specialty giftware company. Michele was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Lou Gehrig ’s disease), a terminal disease in December, 2014 at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH. From that day forward she never let the disease define who she was. She possessed strength and an ability to overcome incredible odds. She organized ALS Awareness Walks in Toledo, OH and met many ALS patients over the years. She continued working for as long as she was able and did wonders with her curiosity and love of technology. It seemed second nature for her to research and find ways to cope with becoming paralyzed bit by bit as the horrible disease began taking over her body but never her mind. She began with a power wheelchair complete with foot controls to operate her attached iPad, When her feet gave out she found eye gaze technology and continued communicating, reading, and doing her daily bible study until the very end. She formerly attended and was active in Cedar Creek Church, Perrysburg, OH where she was a volunteer assisting wherever she was able. Among her many serving roles, she was on a prayer team as well as another calling all new members. Her faith became a central part of her life, especially over the last 10 years. She watched Cedar Creek online church services from her bed right up until 2 days before her passing. Michele will always be remembered for her courage, beautiful contagious smile and her love of family, especially her two sons. She loved fully and generously with everyone in her life. Michele was genuinely funny with quips to keep you off guard. She always felt she was in an older women’s body as she loved walking through cemeteries all over the US and England. Her love of genealogy and family history was contagious and spent many days and trips discovering family roots here and across the pond with her mother. She will be missed beyond measure but thankful that she is finally at peace with no more suffering. Michele will forever remain in our hearts. Michele is survived by her parents, Gene O. and Sharon (Wheeler) Hamilton of Estero, FL; two sons, Zack Sumner (Sarah Johnson) of Delray Beach, FL, and Dillon Sumner (Victoria Young) of Toledo, OH; four brothers, Chris Hamilton (Maara Fink) of Ottawa Hills, OH, Jason Hamilton (Kendra Kasch) of Islamorada, FL, Jack Hamilton (Monica Hamilton) of Fort Collins, CO, and Craig Hamilton of Toledo, OH; her sister, Cathy Hamilton of Cape Coral, FL; her special nieces and nephews, Adam, Noah, Sara and Sophie Hamilton and many precious aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Jean (Pierce) Wheeler; paternal grandparents, James and Irene Hamilton; special grandparents, Charles and Juliet Garrett, and her uncle, Dale Wheeler. A very special thank you to the Hope Hospice Team 130 of Lee County, FL that assisted with Michele’s care over the last two years. A service celebrating Michele’s life will be held in Toledo, OH at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations In Michele’s name may be made to Cedar Creek Church, Perrysburg, OH 43551 or ALS Association National, 1300 Wilson Blvd. Suite 600, Arlington, Virginia 22209 (mark check with “For Research Only”). May is ALS Awareness Month. Let us all pray for a cure in memory of Michele Hamilton’s Hope. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Michele L. Hamilton

February 7, 1969 - May 19, 2020