Michelle Denise Polyviou

Michelle is survived by her devoted daughter, Alexia Polyviou; her loving mother, Phyllis Merrick; her sister Linda O’Reilly and brother Michael Green; her ex-husband and undeniable soulmate, John Polyviou, because some love stories never really end, and her best friend, Amber Thomas, who was less a friend and more the sister Michelle got to choose for herself, and lastly her many nieces and nephews.

While Michelle began her life in the quiet streets of Durand, MI, she was always meant for brighter lights and bigger energy. She spent most of her years in Manhattan, where she fully embraced her role as a New York “it girl.” The city matched her perfectly: vibrant, resilient, stylish, and wonderfully unapologetic.

Michelle wore many professional hats throughout her life but she was best known for her work as a nurse aide and for providing care for countless dogs who absolutely adored her. To Michelle, no one was ever “just a client,” and no dog was ever “just a pet.” If you were under her care, you were family — fed well, fussed over, and probably spoken to in a voice slightly sweeter than necessary.

To know Michelle was to love her, and very likely to be laughing within minutes. Her sense of humor was legendary, her wit effortless, and her personality completely contagious. She had a rare gift for telling it like it was while somehow making you feel better at the same time. If you needed advice, comfort, or a reality check delivered with love, Michelle was your person.

Michelle found joy riding her bike through Colonial Williamsburg, spending time with friends, and telling stories from her New York days; stories that somehow got better every time they were told. Whether she was lighting up a room, or holding someone together during a hard moment, Michelle had a presence that people gravitated toward. She didn’t just enter rooms, she changed them.

Above all, Michelle was an incredible mother and a fiercely loyal friend. She loved deeply, showed up fully, and left lasting impressions wherever life took her. She was truly one of a kind. She is the type of person that you could sit with for hours and laugh at nothing and in the same moment, cry about all of life’s hurdles without judgement. She was the type of person you simply don’t forget.

The world isn’t as bright, as loud, or energized; It got a bit lonely, sad, and boring. While our hearts are heavier without her, we can only imagine she’s somewhere bringing her humor, charm, and unmistakable energy to a whole new audience. If there’s a bike path nearby, she’s already found it — and if there isn’t, she’s probably convincing someone to build one..

Michelle’s light, laughter, and bold spirit will live on in the countless stories shared by those who loved her. Though words cannot capture the loss, she will be remembered with smiles that arrive through tears.

Finally, the family asks that you honor Michelle by writing your Congressman and request a repeal of the 40 hour work week. She was a pioneer championing the 3-day work week as Fridays were the start of her weekends, and Mondays were to recover from them. In true Michelle style, “because life’s too short for so many Mondays and weekends should last forever”.