Simsic, Michelle

Michelle (Shelly) Simsic, 63, of Rochester, NY passed away on October 9 after battling many health challenges in recent years, including surviving cancer.

Shelly was born on April 8, 1961 to John and Joann Simsic in Framingham, MA. She grew up in Fairport, NY and often reminisced about growing up with friends in her beloved Harvest/Crossfield Rd. neighborhood – riding bikes and playing outside all day until dinnertime. After Shelly attended BOCES and graduated from Fairport High School in 1979, she began a long career at the Rochester Friendly Home as a food service worker and familiar face to many long term residents.

Shelly was predeceased by her father, John. She is survived by her mother Joann, her sisters Betsy Wolszczak and Lyn (Rob Short) Murphy, and many nieces and nephews; Matthew and Jonathan (Treva) Buckert, Michael Wolszczak, Justin Young, Megan (Glenn) Solomon, Erin (Zach) Cowan, and Katherine Murphy. She loved her ever growing number of great nieces and nephews.

Her greatest passions in life were her family, sports, trying new recipes, and indulging in treats like sweets and soda. While her most beloved teams were the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills, she also loved watching hockey and NASCAR and was happy to cheer on teams in many different cities where her family lived. She maintained diligent score keeping records and prided herself on updating family on the rankings of their beloved teams – she was particularly proud when she could engage in some spirited banter if her team was higher ranked.

One of Shelly’s most cherished memories was a surprise trip to the “old” Yankee Stadium before it was torn down. In recent years, she was able to travel to Pittsburgh, PA to attend one more Yankees game. It was a particularly memorable game as she got to witness her current favorite player, Aaron Judge, during his historic homerun season.

Shelly loved mailing cards and letters to friends and family. She rarely missed a holiday without a card in the mail with her signature sign-off “all my love,” which she truly meant. In return, she cherished every piece of mail she received and loved collecting pictures and tchotchkes. Shelly loved sharing family stories and recounting memories of trips and gatherings. She was often overcome with her signature “happy tears,” so moved with emotion and gratitude to be surrounded and celebrated with family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Rotary Camp for Children & Adults with Special Needs, Camp Haccamo (https://www.camphaccamo.org/support-haccamo) in Rochester, NY. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date.

Go Yankees!