Michaella JoAnne Tafelsky, 15, of Burlington, NC, formerly of Traverse City, gained her angel wings on December 5, 2017.
Michaella was born November 4, 2002 to Michael and Carol (Goense) in Traverse City, at Munson Medical Center.
Surviving Michaella and missing her spirit and smile are her parents, her brother Nicholas, her grandparents; Carol Ellen Bishop, Richard Francis Tafelsky, great grandmother Bonnie Tafelsky, aunts and uncles; Uncle Tom, Aunt Jill, Aunt Erica, Aunt Megan and Rusty Hayward, Uncle John and Janell, Aunt Diane White and Uncle Mark and Audrey Goense. Also missing her dearly are her cousins; Elijah, Katelyn, Brooklyn, Jacqueline, John and Alexandra. She will be especially missed by her dog Rosie.
She is preceded in death and reunited with; her grandparents John and Rita Goense and her Uncle Jack White. She is also playing ball with her four legged pal Zoe.
Both in Traverse City and North Carolina Michaella's education has been enriched by so many wonderful teachers, therapists and aides both in and out of the classroom. Michaella was working on her freshman year of school at Walter Williams High School, homebound division.
Michaella loved animals, the outdoors, music, books, but more then anything she had an unwavering love for people and all of their goodness.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to; Alamance Country First Responders, EMS & Airlift, Staff of North Carolina (UNC) Children's Hospital PICU and General Pediatrics, Helen Devos Children's Hospital, Munson Medical Center, Many Doctors and Specialists, including those at U of Minn, amazing homecare RN's, LPN's and CNA's of Bayada and PSA Home Health. We thank especially the unwavering love, support and prayers of family and friends near and far.
A visitation and time of welcome will take place on Monday December 11, 2017 at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 1-3pm and also from 5-7 pm. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday December 12, 2017 at Saint Francis Catholic Church at 11:00am with visitation from 10-11.
Michaella's final resting place will be at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may do so to one of the following organizations; NTSAD, Father Fred, or Saint Francis Catholic Church in Michaella's honor.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share a memory and offer condolences to the family.
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.