Michelle Siciliano-Imber

To my sister…  Our Angel on earth, Michelle, flew into the open arms of Jesus after a valiant battle with multi-organ failure. She fought the good fight, determined to beat the odds and beat it, she did, by several years. Even near the end, her faith never waivered.  She trusted her Father in Heaven with all her heart, soul and spirit.

If you know Michelle, you are a better person for it.  She had a heart as big as the universe, no one was a stranger, and she was selfless to her core.  She exemplified every good quality we all strive for.  You couldn’t find a more loyal friend, devoted wife, trusted sister, respectful daughter, loving mother, or amazing grandmother (Nani).

Growing up as one of five daughters we knew early on that God had created a masterpiece.  She was adventurous, a tomboy at heart and loved playing baseball with her dad, who lovingly called her Mike. She loved going on camping trips and discovering new places. Her favorite place of all was Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Michelle and her family spent part of every summer exploring all of the treasures found in the Jackson and Yellowstone area, often including family members to come along for the ride.  Trips to Jackson quickly became the best time of the year.  You could hear Michelle outside every morning, calling “here moosie, moosie!”  The first one to see a moose was awarded a dollar.  It soon became a family joke about who ended up with the most dollars…usually Michelle.  A family of moose often showed up to her calling, nestling in the shadows of the trees in the back of our condos.  She felt more alive when she was in nature, often hosting the “Imber Café” in the mornings, which always included a variety of mini donuts (Steve’s favorite). And being the great sister she was, she never disappointed him.

Michelle married at a young age, and years later was divorced.  Shortly after, she gave birth to their son, Michael, who was her delight. Years later he would become a Marine, marry his wife Haley, move to South Carolina and bring 2 beautiful daughters into Michelle’s world.  Blaire and Zoey, such cuties, added endless joy to Michelle’s life.

After being single for several years, Michelle would find and marry her soulmate, love of her life, Kenneth Imber. They met at church, where he was the I.T. and sound specialist.  The minute he laid eyes on her, their fate was sealed. They began dating and the first time Michael met Ken, he ran up to him and called him “Daddy”.

They began their new life with God in the center and a few years later, they had their 2nd son, Nicholas.  He became their guardian angel, dutiful son, who selflessly spent the last few years beautifully caring for Michelle as she began to decline.  He never left her side, brought her to every Dr. appointment and was an encyclopedia of knowledge regarding her health.

Ken and Michelle were an incredible couple, married 36 years, totally devoted to each other, and always planning their next journey, whether it be camping trips, a cruise or timeshare exchanges. Living their lives to the fullest, they gave their sons a beautiful snapshot of our incredible country, which included trips to Colorado, Oregon, Sedona, Glacier National Park, and countless others.

In her last few days on earth, Michelle was lovingly ministered to by her faithful sister, Anna (Gus) who gently cared for her broken body, preparing her for heaven, much like Mary of Bethany preparing our Lord, Jesus prior to His passion journey.

Michelle and her twin, Jody, had a very close relationship which included their secret “pinkie twin sister” hand signal. Michelle was Jody’s protector while growing up, deepening their special bond.  Jody loved being a twin and never let anyone forget the unique connection they shared.

One of Michelle’s favorite pastimes was to watch Hallmark movies.  She and her sister Toni shared their love of all things Hallmark, often comparing notes as to their favorite characters, and which Christmas movie was a must-watch. Toni and Michelle were inseparable and loved spending time together any day, anytime and anywhere.  Their friendship had no limits and was unshakable.

She loved her family with the fierceness of a mother Lion…always putting them first. She loved being an Auntie to her many nieces and nephews and always had time for special shopping days or sleepovers.  She has often been called a saint on earth by many people, and no one who knows her would contradict that statement.

Michelle worked at Kern River Gas for 29 years in accounting and made countless friends.  After that, she used her gift of compassion assisting Refugees at Lutheran Social Services.  Another very important part of her life was spent as President of Salt Lake Daytime Aglow, an international Christian ministry.  She was a mentor to many and used her life journeys and obstacles as an example of Gods faithfulness to His people.   

If you asked Michelle what her favorite flower was, she would enthusiastically say Wildflowers!  She loved daisies and Sunflowers and anything untraditional.  You might wonder why she would prefer the more simpler flowers.  Much like God chose the imperfect to follow Him and be His hands and feet on this earth, Michelle loved the imperfect flowers, which grow at will and decorate lonely hillsides with their beauty.  In a tribute to her, we will have a vase available, and suggest each of you who comes, to bring one or two wildflowers and join them with the others to form a beautiful bouquet… just like our beautiful Michelle.

Michelle was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara & Joe; her Godmother and Aunt, Madalene; her sister, Paula; sister-in-law Liesel; niece, Tiffany; brother-in-law, Steve; Father-in-law, Arthur and Mother-in-law, Scott.

Please join us as we celebrate Michelle’s life on Saturday, March 28^th at 3:00 p.m. at Canyons Church, 7000 S.1700 E. Salt Lake City, UT.