Gertrudis Maria Michele-Mccarthy

Gertrudis Maria Michele-McCarthy of Livonia, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2022 at the age of 89. Born to Jacobus Petrus Smeekens and Elisa Hurbertina Wilhelmina Hendrick in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, she spent her early childhood under the darkness of World War II. Her bravery, empathy, and compassion would not be stifled by the occupying military as she routinely stole from them to provide for her community. Four years after the war ended, a 16 year old Gertrudis (Trudy) came to America to start a new life. At 21 she met her love, Eugene Mechislaw Michele. They married on September 8, 1951 in Detroit, MI. Trudy had boundless energy, a charismatic, contagious smile, a love for animals, and was always ready with a great joke to share. She was strikingly beautiful with stunning blue eyes that you could see for miles. She was a hands-on mother who loved her family and loved to cook. Her home was al-ways open to family, friends, and strangers; she had a huge heart for those less fortunate and a spe-cial place in her heart for Veterans. Trudy was a happy, hardworking, strong woman. Stubborn, but not unreasonable, she expected the best of everyone. She instilled within her family determination, a strong work ethic, the drive to ob-tain what you want in life, honesty and to always look out for those in need. She leaves a legacy of humor, love and laughter through her children. A truly dedicated mother, Trudy spent countless hours volunteering at her children’s schools in addi-tion to being a working mom. Her early adult years were spent working for Singer Corporation in downtown Detroit where she did modeling and sales for the company, she then moved onto the Kmart corporation and then Michigan Milk Producers Association where she worked in the IT de-partment until retirement. After retiring, she dedicated her life to becoming a full-time caregiver to her Mother until her passing at age 99. She remarried, having met Gerald McCarthy at her job with MMPA. Her hobbies and inter-ests included bowling weekly with the local B’nai Brith club, shopping, traveling, finding new light-houses, spending time with her family, and going to the casino. Her children are left with memories of a happy, fun filled childhood. We are blessed to have stories to share, that we love to revisit and that often make us bust out in laughter. Her knowledge, wisdom and never-ending stories will be held forever within our hearts. We’d like to thank the staff at The Wil-lows of Howell, who cared and loved her like their own, and Open Arms Hospice. We already miss the love and big smiles she always had for us. Gertrudis Maria Michele-McCarthy leaves behind her children Linda (Michael) Michele-Dobel, Andre (Pam) Michele, and Pamela Michele; daughter-in-law Linda (Rene) Michele; 7 grandchildren: Kim Michele-Furst, Adam (Stefanie) Michele, Amanda (Nick) Stambaugh, Lauren (Seth) Johnson, Anthony Michele, Andre II Michele, and Jackobus Michele; 5 great-grandchildren: Madeline, Charlotte and Bennett Johnson, Memphis and Finnley Stambaugh; sister Johanna (Ann) (Raymond) Koval; stepson Terry (Maria) McCarthy; Paul (Darcel) McCarthy, 2 step-grandchildren: Riley McCarthy and Brian McCarthy and her extended family and neighbors Suzanne Freedman and Andy Ericksen. She is preceded in death by her husband Eugene Michele; son Rene (Linda) Michele; parents Jacobus and Elisa Smeekens; brothers Jacobus (Jack) Smeekens and Hendrik (Harry) Smeekens; husband Gerald McCarthy; stepsons: Patrick McCarthy, Peter McCarthy and Tom McCarthy. Visitation will take place at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia on Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 3-8PM. Funeral service will take place on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 10:00 AM. She will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Southfield, MI directly after the service. All Memorial Contributions May be directed to The Alzheimer’s Association, Veterans Association of Livingston County or the Michigan Humane Society https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/8N57D765J64MH2LY Please share a memory of Trudy on her Tribute Wall.