Michelle Marie Cannavino

Michelle Marie Cannavino, 62, of Interlaken NY and Concord NC passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, Tuesday, July 4th at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester NY following a brief illness.  A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday July 12th, 10:30 AM, at the Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N. Geneva St, Ithaca NY 14850. Burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Michelle leaves behind a legacy of love, grace and kindness by which she will always be remembered.

Michelle was a beacon of light and radiated joy and warmth to all that knew her.  She was a remarkable mother who not only provided a lively and loving home for her own children but also a home away from home for many of their friends.

She was a marvelous cook, her kitchen was often filled with the aroma of wonderful things simmering on the stove or baking in the oven, and there was always an extra plate and another place at the table for anyone who happened to stop by.  Welcoming others in this way was not a conscious act, but simply a spontaneous expression of her kindness and generosity.

Gardening, crocheting, furniture restoration, and home improvement projects were other pastimes she pursued with passion, determination and resolve; she would not stop working on them until the result met with the high expectations she set for herself.  Whether it was a fresh tomato, a baby blanket, a mosaic tile finish, or a new kitchen, her family was constantly blessed by the delicious and beautiful fruits of her labors and with the standard of achievement she set.

Michelle spent many years as a dedicated caregiver for the sick and elderly.  Members of her own family and the community at large were all blessed by her ministrations.  This labor was always performed un-selfishly and became a means of extending her compassion, empathy, and kindness to the wider world. For this she was beloved by the families she served.

She loved and cared for animals just as well, accepted any stray, bedraggled creature that wandered into her life, gave them whatever care and attention was required to nurse them back to health, and then always found a place for them in her heart and in her home.

Her humble and un self-conscious attitude toward her accomplishments (both personal and professional) also set an example for her family to follow and belied the energy and skill required to achieve them.

Whether it was tending to the sick, lending a helping hand, providing a safe haven and refuge from the world's problems, or offering a warm beautiful smile on a dark day, she touched countless lives with her compassion and made a lasting impact on those around her.  May Michelle's angelic spirit forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all. Michelle is cherished by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Michelle is survived by her husband James Fulton of Concord, NC, her son Hassan Kousa of Las Vegas, NV, her daughters Susan and Aminah Kousa of Interlaken, NY, grandson Savino Haviland, granddaughter Sophia Brucie, her mother Sue Cannavino, her sister Tonia Contino, her brother Patsy Michael Cannavino, her nephews John Caito and Marcus Dreitzler, and her former husband, Mahmoud Kousa of Wayne, NJ.  She is pre-deceased by her father, Patsy Cannavino Jr. of Ithaca, NY.