Michele Marie Davis

1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61: 1-2

Hello friends and family of Michele.

Michele Marie Davis, known to those who loved her as "Chele," passed on to rest in peace on May 13, 2025, in New Jersey, at the age of 56. Born in the Twin Cities, MN, on December 27, 1968, Michele enriched the lives of everyone around her with her generosity, humor, loyalty, and warmth.

Michele grew up in Minnesota. Her earliest years were in Plymouth, MN. Her family moved to Isanti, MN in 1975 which is where she lived through high school. During high school she played the flute; she also sang in both choir and small group. She graduated from Cambridge HS in 1987 and attended her first year of college at Winona State University.

She then transferred to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Michele absolutely loved music and singing, and she was a part of the renowned Nordic Choir. Michele was selected as a soloist for the annual performance of Handel's Messiah—a prestigious honor in the college's rich musical tradition. Under the direction of the legendary Weston Noble, who conducted Luther's choral programs for 57 years, the Messiah concert was a major event featuring a chorus that included hundreds of singers. Soloist positions were highly competitive, with many students auditioning for the opportunity. Michele's selection as a soloist proved her exceptional vocal talent and dedication to the choral arts. Michele graduated from Luther College in 1993.

After college, Michele embraced life by moving to New York City. She settled in Park Slope, Brooklyn, after a couple of previous summers working as a nanny to a family on Long Island. She began her professional journey working in Manhattan, where her work experience took her from a major talent agency to Salomon Brothers Asset Management and Stone Harbor Investment Partners. Park Slope was home for more than a decade—a community she cherished deeply and which reciprocated her affection.

Michele moved to Eatontown, NJ, in 2006, beginning another wonderful chapter with her husband Rob Lovrincich, whom she married on the beautiful Jersey Shore. In 2014, they brought home Ginger, their Boykin Spaniel, who they both loved immensely.
Despite living with asthma for much of her life, Michele was determined not to let it define her. She trained for and completed the Army Ten-Miler in Washington, D.C., as well as the New York City Half Marathon in 2012— accomplishments that reflected her strength, grit, and resilience.

Though Michele and Rob were to divorce in 2022, they remained best friends. Rob was with her every step of the way as she had struggles closer to the end of her life. Michele is survived by Rob, as well as her brothers Craig (Deb, Halli), Brently (Zander), her Mother Jan and her father Keith. They, along with a huge network of close friends and community members, will deeply mourn and greatly miss Michele's bigger-than-life personality.

The spirit of creativity and artistry stayed with Michele wherever she went, fueling her passion for graphic design, the occasional yoga practice, and adventurous girlfriend trips filled with laughter and love. Blessed with the ability to find beauty and meaning everywhere, Michele inspired everyone she encountered with her compassionate spirit and generosity.  Michele's life was joyful and full of meaningful connections. Those who loved her will remember that Michele lived vividly, generously, and wholeheartedly, sharing her love, time, and money freely and unconditionally.

In Michele’s memory, some of her favorite words from "The Velveteen Rabbit," a story close to her heart:

"'Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'
'Does it hurt?' asked the Rabbit.
'Sometimes,' said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. 'When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.'
'Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,' he asked, 'or bit by bit?'
'It doesn't happen all at once,' said the Skin Horse. 'You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out, and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.'"
― Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit.

Rest peacefully, dear Michele. You will always remain "real" and forever be in our hearts.

Michele’s passing was a devastating loss to those who knew and loved her. In honor of her life, and in support of others who may be struggling, we encourage anyone in need to reach out for help by calling or texting 988 - the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Michele's unforgettable legacy will be honored at a memorial service in her hometown of Winona, MN, at a date and time to be determined. A private celebration of her extraordinary life will also take place in New Jersey in June for family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Humane World for Animals (formerly The Humane Society).

Celebration of Life

There will be a celebration of life held at Riverbluff Church in Winona Minnesota on Saturday, July 19.  The service will begin at 11am.  

To join via Zoom:
Time: Jul 19, 2025 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
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July 17, 2025

To all who loved and cherished Michele, especially those closest to her. Uncle Keith, Jan, Craig, Debbie, Hallie, and Brent. I was heartbroken to hear of Michele's passing. Words feel infinitesimal in moments like this. I have fond memories of Michele when we were much younger, spending time together in the summer at a family's lake home. I have no doubt she will be missed by so many closer to her than I was and in so many ways. That is how I remember her, kind and caring. I will Cherish the memories and remain grateful of the time I was lucky enough to spend with her. My deepest sympathies.
- Cousin David Axtman

DAVE AXTMAN

July 16, 2025

Dear Jan, Craig, Debbie and Hallie Jo;

We are so sorry for Michele's early death. Loved corresponding through e-mail with her. She was good about providing family addresses and pictures. We hope and pray for peace for you and heavenly peace for Michele.
Love, Aunt Carol and Uncle Seb

Aunt Carol and Uncle Seb Axtman

June 11, 2025

Michele Marie Davis was my very first friend at Luther. We met in 1989 and remained friends for 36 years. Through the good, bad, hilarious and heartbreaking parts of our lives I always had a sounding board that had seen behind the curtain and loved me anyway. I’m going to miss you my friend. May you rest in light and find eternal peace.

Julie Meirick

June 4, 2025

I grew up with Michele in Isanti, MN and we attended school together K-12. I remember being in theater, choir, band, and marching band together. We ended up in Winona together, but I went to St. Mary's and she was at Winona State. I remember her laughter and friendship. We both participated in the Ms. Isanti pageant the summer before our senior year of high school. It is one of my fondest memories as we spend the entire summer together. We kept in touch all these years, mostly through Christmas Cards and Social Media. I am devastated to hear of her passing. Rest easy, my friend. You will be greatly missed. Love you!!
-Your friend from Kindergarten and beyond, Terri

Terri Hungerford

May 28, 2025

I am so grateful to have known you, Michele. From laughing until we cried after we first met at AMA in 2017 (🥜!) to catching up over FaceTime and your visit to Virginia Beach last year. We didn’t know each other long, but we made the most of it. I miss your infectious laugh and will never forget your kindness. I hope you know how very loved you are!

Lauren

May 28, 2025

Chelby, It is so hard to say good bye. I can’t even pretend to understand how hard life was for you. I wish you could have felt how much you mattered. I’m heartbroken. I can hear your laugh as I think of you and it makes me smile. Your pain must have been unbearable, and I hate that you felt alone and hopeless. I will remember you not for the way you left, but for how you lived: loud, loyal, generous, flawed, beautiful. Thank you for being my friend. I’ll carry your memory with me for the rest of my life.

Love ya! mean it!
Stephanie

Stephanie Cin

May 28, 2025

I met Michele in Eatontown as she was walkimg Ginger. My dog Leah and Ginger became fast friends. We got
together many times to walk the girls and in those walks we became close friends. We shared secrets , laughter and of course tears. I moved to Howell and she within a short period she had also relocated to Howell and our walks and talks continued many times a week. I miss her laughter and her adorable
sense of style no matter where we were going she always looked cute.I'm greatful I
had 10 years of her in my life. Now when I walk my dog at the resovoir ,i have many emotions and thoughts as I miss her laughter and her exciting stories of the many friends she had visited or spoke to over the years. I bring her with me in my heart as I cherish our good times and keep those memories close. She was a true friend to me and an Ally to my trans son and I'm greatful to have known her for the time that I did . May she truly rest in eternal peace.

Cheryl

May 28, 2025

I first got to know Michelle really well in 2020 during the pandemic. It started with some small chat walks around the neighborhood and eventually her generosity on hosting happy hour on Friday nights. She was always trying a new recipe and made you feel warm and welcome in her home and of course all our furry friends were invited as well. she was kind and everybody was always welcomed she truly had a big heart and would do anything for anybody.
Till we meet again my friend. Fly high
I love you
Kathy ❤️

Kathy Monahan

May 21, 2025

The laughter shared, and the secrets whispered will forever be cherished. Your laugh still echoes in the quiet moments. Oh that laugh Ma Sha Chell I truly will never forget. Love you my friend.

Helen McAllister

May 18, 2025

Michele was my first roommate in NYC. I knew her from Luther, and when I called her my senior year for advice, she suggested she get an apartment for the two of us. I couldn't belive my luck! We only lived together for that one year in 1994/95, but stayed very close until her death. We were each other's "dates" on any Friday or Saturday that we didn't already have plans. We always met at 12th Street, our very own Cheers -- everybody knew our name and vice versa. Michele has been a rock in my life during times that were the darkest, even after we moved away from the city and I was in Virginia and she in NJ. My heart is shattered that she is no longer physically with us, and happy that she is no longer feeling darkness or pain. A very special angel has joined the small army that I have up there. May she always be remembered for the loving, generous, and fun soul that she was. Love you Chele.

Astri

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