Obituary of Michele D. Sanders

Michele "Mickey" Sanders, 54, of South Bend, passed away suddenly on July 1, 2016, surrounded by her loving family at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. She was born on December 19, 1961 in Michigan City, Indiana to David R. and Donna L. (Benison) Sanders. Michele graduated Elston High School, class of 1980 where she played the clarinet in marching band. She furthered her education at Ivy Tech, receiving her degree in nursing. Through the years Michele has enjoyed a variety of crafts including glass work, adult coloring books, painting and crocheting. Michele had a heart of gold and nursing was more of a calling in her life; she loved and cared for those entrusted into her care. Michele also had a passion for working with the St. Joseph County Special Olympics for nearly 20 years. She was a founding and faithful member of Amazing Grace Ministries in South Bend. On May 16, 2015 Michele married Suzanne Halligan, although the couple had been inseparable 19 years to the day Michele passed. She was preceded in death by her father David Sanders and a grandson Elijah Shelton. Michele leaves her wife, Suzanne Halligan of South Bend, her mother, Donna Sanders of Michigan City, three daughters; Maria (James) Smith-Goodloe, Latoya Smith and Adeline Halligan-Sanders all of South Bend, a son, Karl (Sharon) Smith of LaPorte, Indiana, six grandchildren; Bryanna, Katelynn, James Jr., Harley, Cash and Zoie, three sisters; Marcy (Dale) Zila of Indian Land, South Carolina, Margaret (Dale) Specht of Rolling Prairie, Indiana and Martha Sanders of Michigan City, Indiana, as well as many nieces, nephews and countless lives she has touched. Friends and family will gather to celebrate the life of Michele Sanders on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, Michigan at 7:00 p.m. with a time of visitation beginning at 6:00 p.m. The family has requested, in keeping with Michele's wishes, in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be directed to Brown Funeral Home or gofundme where a fund is being set-up to assist in her daughter Adeline.