Michelle Haran

On February 18, 2023 Michelle passed away at home, surrounded by her family after a short battle with
kidney cancer. Michelle is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Marty, daughter Cassie West
(Jake), and son Joel Haran (Caroline). She was as strong as they come and fought to the end giving us all
an example of how to never give up hope.
Michelle Ann Haran was born September 15, 1961, in Columbus, Ohio. Michelle grew up in Ohio
alongside her three siblings Debbie Davis, Chris Michael, and Todd Michael. In 1986 she would meet her
beloved Marty and would spend the next few years with lifelong friends at the campground, cheering on
the Cleveland Browns, and taking any opportunity she could to go to the beach. With the birth of Cassie
and Joel, her role and true calling of being a mother began. For the rest of her life, she would support
them in all their endeavors. In 1998, the family moved to their forever home in Raleigh where they built
a network of friends that have all become family.
Michelle was extremely devoted to her family. Her love for her children and grandchildren shined from
within her. She was the best Gigi to her three grandchildren; Evelyn, Abigail, and Watson who filled her
last few years with more love and pride imaginable.
Michelle spent 45 years in the service industry. Whether at work or at home, she was a master at
making those around her feel comfortable. Always squeezing in as much productivity as possible into
every day, her work ethic and energy were endless. She spent the last 11 years of her career at Relish,
brightening the lives of her patrons daily.
Michelle wasn’t afraid to spark conversation with strangers and loved others without judgment. These
traits made her many friends including but not limited to her “happy hour” crew of 25+ years, and more
recently her Myrtle Beach crew whom she became fast friends and spent many days on the beach.
Michelle was fierce, kind, extremely industrious, selfless, and the life of the party. She lived her life with
a healthy sense of urgency, making her dream of living part-time at the beach a reality just 5 years ago.
Michelle was happiest at the ocean, and the sunshine always found her. She absorbed it and sprinkled it
to everyone she came in contact with.
The family would like to personally thank the Oncology team at Rex Cancer Center, and the staff at
ProMedica Hospice. Michelle is preceded in death by her father, David Michael, and sister, Debbie
Michael.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Raleigh Rescue Mission which is near and dear to
Michelle’s heart.
https://give.raleighrescue.org/give/273438/#!/donation/checkout
Please join us for a celebration of life on Thursday, February 23rd at 11:00 AM in the Chapel at St. Francis
of Assisi in Raleigh, NC. The family will gather and celebrate with friends at Relish Kitchen Table at 2:00
PM.