Since Michelle was born she was always full of energy and confidence, and so adorable (her mom and dad decided to have 6 more just like her after all...) Last year she came to work with our company, and I got to see a new side of Michelle - she quickly became one of our best workers, and I was so proud of her in our meetings, so well organized and such a great communicator. We are going to miss Michelle's fun-loving side, and the way she loves her family & friends so much, and now that we got to work with her, we're also going to miss her hard work and great ideas. She was so much fun every time she came to visit here in New York City (I remember how she actually did the whole Times Square thing one new year's eve!) and the memory of our fun dinners, sharing weird drinks together, and the great visits with family and friends, are so very, very precious. Jill (her co-worker and new friend) thought of this quote from A. A. Milne and I (Michelle's uncle - almost like her older brother at times growing up) paraphrased it a little bit for the card & flowers we ordered for her (ocean breeze spray, hope it's pretty enough!)... "How lucky we are to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard"

Michelle, when the support calls come in non-stop, you're usually there to lighten the mood with a joke about the craziest call of the day. Well they're still crazy, but I miss your funny comments. Thanks for bringing the fun. Missing you much, Norman

The short time I knew you my memories where uplifting . Your energy was full of life . It saddens me your no longer with us . You will be missed . Prayers to your family .

Dive lovingly, at the icy hot party in the sky chellbell. You will never stray from my heart. True friends from beginning to end. I love you. Melski

I spent the last five days getting to know this wonderful and beautiful lady. For me she was a dream come true, I never knew that I would be so happy. We spent memorable times talking, laughing and I will never get bored. I remembered one evening at work, she texted me what I want for dinner because I did intend seeing her that evening, at first I thought she was joking so I told her my favorite. Oxtail, beans and rice. To my surprised Michelle did cook oxtail for the first time by watching youtube and it turns out Perfect. I realize how much we started to get attached as we became very happy with each other. She happened to invite me at the latest Minuite to go with her on a trip which I didn't refused...... Just didn't know I was going to assist doing CPR on her while tears flood my eyes, while doing that I was looking at her green eyes praying to god that she would woke up but she was already gone. Michelle Downey has took the other half of my heart with her and I'm so happy she did. Me and Joey was the last to see her at the hospital as I cried bitterly over her body as I kiss her on her left cheek. I'm really missing her so much right now. Fear well Michelle Downey (aka) Fluffy Diva. I will forever love you with all my heart as I did told you before. My condolences to her family, friends and well wishers.

I hadn't seen you in about 20 years, but then we got together May "14. Fun, Fun times my Long Lost Friend!!! We took off where we left off!!! I love you My Friend Michelle.

Michelle was a true friend. Always there when you needed her. We had the kind of friendship where because of distance we didn't See eachother or talk as much as when she was here in NY but when we Did talk it was like we didn't skip a beat just picked up where we left Off....I will remember her laughter and her zest for life.She was a dreamer That's what I loved the most! Michelle was a best friend to all and that is evident In all the posts and stories .. I will pass on in my journeys the love she had for life Family and friends . Thanks Michelle for traveling with me even tho for a short time. I love you and will miss you until I see you again someday!

My dear sister, my heart is so broken with out you. We were suppose to go to Alaska together. You lived life like most of us could only dream to live it. Love you so much my sister!!! Look forward to seeing you and mom again. Until then my heart will always be broken.

I am at a loss for words still. I first met Michelle while playing in my band, Project X. She really believed in our talent, something we will never forget. A frequent request of hers was Sober by Tool, a song we will now rock out a little harder to, knowing she will be listening. Michelle was a very genuine person, something you don't find often, and brought happiness to those around her. I pray for her family during this time and may she rest in peace.

I remember when Michelle was born, She was the first of the post-baby boom generation for the Schmitz family (Deb, Barb, Patti, me and David) and was welcomed into the world by my sister Barbara and her husband Mike when they were just kids themselves. I was a scraggly teenager and would travel across town and visit them on the North Side of Syracuse. I new family in the making! My sister Barb loved all of her children intensely and I am sure that it was especially easy for her to love Michelle who brought much joy to everyone. Sorry that you had to leave your body at so young an age but I have no doubt you will live forever! See you all in Coral Springs on Wednesday! Sincerely Uncle Harry