Michaela earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). A gifted researcher, she was a co-author on multiple published studies. Her professional accomplishments included serving as a research analyst at Advisory Board, a graduate teaching assistant at UTK, a Laboratory Operations Manager at Gordon Couples Research Lab, and a Research Assistant at Healthy Connections Knoxville.
On June 2, 2018, Michaela married the love of her life, Nick DiPillo. Together they shared a passion for video games, theme parks, movies, travel, and culture. Michaela was known for her intelligence, warmth, and unwavering loyalty as a friend.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Brenda and Morris Mercer, Mack and June Reid, and her uncle Dan Mercer.
Michaela is survived by her beloved husband, Nick DiPillo, and their cherished pets, Chandler, Mueller, and Aloy. She also leaves behind her parents, Ben and Jenny Mercer, Bill and Teena DiPillo, and mother, Tracy Reid Montgomery; siblings, Shawn, Naomi and Brandon Mercer; sister-in-law, Jamie Massey; nephew, Grady Massey; grandparents; Jeanne and Joe Vaughn; close friends, Chris Russell, Ian Ferguson and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A receiving of friends will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 4:00pm at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home, Knoxville, Tennessee, followed by a Celebration of Life at 7:00pm.
In honor of Michaela’s love for animals, the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley or the Summerville Veterinary Clinic in Summerville, Georgia (706-857-2918).
