Michelle Lynn Benchek

MICHELLE LYNN BENCHEK (nee Columbo) age 43, loving mother of Jessica and Hailey and forever companion of Michael Benchek; cherished daughter of Cindy (nee Smith) and Fred DiTomaso and the late Michael Columbo; adored daughter-in-law of Joan Benchek; dear granddaughter of Barbara Wercion; dearest sister of Kim Columbo, Natalie Lafferty (husband Patrick), Anthony DiTomaso (wife Rachel) and Frank DiTomaso (wife Leeann); treasured friend of Cindy Moyle; dear niece, aunt, cousin, and friend of many. Survived by her feline companions Pretty Girl and Mister.

Michelle entered the world on November 28, 1979, and left it peacefully surrounded by her family and Love on February 14, 2023. She lived life with a smile on her face and with a sweet soul that focused on finding joy in everything she did. She grew up in Highland Heights and graduated from Mayfield High School in 1998.  Her kindness, patience and natural ability to help others led Michelle to pursue nursing at Lakeland Community College resulting in her career as an RN at Hillcrest Hospital. While her dedication and compassion as a caregiver and beloved colleague was regularly on display, she had no greater joy than the Love she had for her two girls, Jessica and Hailey, whom she raised with their father Michael Benchek in both Chardon and Willoughby Hills.

She loved being active as a hiker, a runner, a mother of cats, and a general bad ass, and she would face the world in the same manner in which she would encourage her girls to, as a free spirit taking in the experiences the world has for her as they come, while laughing and dancing the entire time. She Loved music and she would revel in live music, dancing her way to the front row at any and every opportunity. Her serenity and calm led her to Love and practice yoga. Michelle Loved and lived life fully, and if you knew her for years or for even a minute, you Loved her.

She was happy, social, non-judgmental and a friend in an instant, and then for a lifetime. She was, and is, 32 flavors and then some. Michelle will be remembered most as a woman, a warrior, a devoted daughter and a mother with undying Love for her two girls. She’s dancing now as she did in life, as if no one is watching and as if everyone is watching, either way without a care. She will be forever Loved and forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Michelle to her Treasured Memories Fund that will be used for her daughters’ education. Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Celebration of Life Service Sunday February 19, 2023 at 4:30PM at THE FUNERAL HOME. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Michelle at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) SUNDAY 12-4:30PM.

Donate to Michelle’s Treasured Memories Fund Here