Katherine Anderson Michele was a dear friend. We first met in our group dynamics class in the OT program at Columbia. I was a bit intimidated by her brilliance, beauty, and piercing curiosity. I am so glad that I soon learned to enjoy the wild ride of coasting along with her questioning mind. I am deeply grateful that we stayed friends for so long. I will never forget her attentiveness and caring throughout my husband’s illness. It was heartbreaking to watch Michele experience illness as well, and no surprise to see her meet the challenges with extraordinary strength and bravery. Michele was a unique and very special light in this world. I will miss her terribly. May her memory live on in all of our acts of caring, attending, and seeking.

daniela blum Michele was the embodiment of generosity. I remember visiting her on Chebeague Island- how she waited for us with open arms as our boat docked, made us the most delicious hummus wraps when we walked into the house, collaborated with David over an incredible meal of fresh Maine lobster….a few of these photos are from a visit to Chebeague in 2014. Over many years of friendship we shared coffee dates and hikes with Vinci when the kids were in school, play dates in New Haven and Westport. Michele showed up with days and days worth of delicious meals for us when we had our 3rd child, she remembered birthdays. We moved away in 2016, but Michele drove over an hour to see us in 2018 when we made a quick visit to New England and this photo of Michele with our family is from that visit. Michele radiated warmth. She knew how to listen and ask questions, she cared so much about others and had such a deep understanding of child development, and she adored and was completely devoted to Joshua and Jonathan. Michele made this world a better place; we will treasure our memories of Michele and we will miss her. We are holding her family in our hearts. David, Joshua and Jonathan, know that you always have a home here on the West Coast.

Katrina Kuh Michele came into my life through the friendship of our sons and we soon connected over our shared love of place (Chebeague Island) and the challenges and joys of parenting. These pictures were taken on a memorable night when we built a bonfire on the beach at low tide and the kids played soccer, barefoot in the sand, for hours, fueled by s'mores and the magic of a warm summer night. Michele was a good listener, honest and deliberate in her reactions, but deeply kind and respectful at the same time. She was fiercely committed to her boys and had encyclopedic knowledge about education and child development. I learned much from her and took great comfort on the occasions when I discovered that my own rather uninformed parenting instincts converged with her more informed approach. The proof is in the pudding, the Deitch boys are such fine, grounded human beings; welcome in our home, always. While not perhaps as important as the other pieces of her life and person, I can't help but remark on Michele's notable personal elegance. On our beach walks, her flowing tunics contrasted with my oversized stained T-shirts; the boys could expect hot dogs at our place, scallops with garlic scapes at hers. Knowing Michele made me aspire to be more thoughtful in my parenting, more deliberate in my life choices, and more present in the moment. Her life has made a ripple on my own, I consider myself better for it. Love and solace to everyone remembering Michele and most especially David, Josh and Jonathan. Katy Kuh