Michelle Kathlyn Pardes

Born in The Bronx, New York, Michelle attended City College of New York (CCNY) where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree. Following her graduation, she moved to Orange County (CA) in the early 1970’s and settled in Mission Viejo, CA where she was a dedicated mother to her three children. As her children transitioned into elementary school, Michelle decided to go back to school to obtain her teaching credential. Teaching became Michelle’s passion. She taught second grade at Trabuco Mesa Elementary in Rancho Santa Margarita for approximately 15 years. During her years as a teacher, Michelle positively impacted the lives of hundreds of children. A diagnosis of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma forced Michelle to retire from teaching. Michelle courageously battled cancer and survived. Ultimately, she leveraged this challenging experience in her later years by writing a book and coaching others who were going through their own personal cancer battles.

Michelle will be remembered for her laughter, her fighting spirit, and her ability to make friends with anyone. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius & Suzanne Glantz and her daughter Jennifer. She is survived by her sister, Betty Sussman, her two children David and Jonathan, and 6 grandchildren.