Michelle Theresa Ham

Michelle was born on March 6, 1968, in Utica, to Sam Spatuzzi and Carol Frate. There, she embraced her Italian heritage and formed many lifelong friendships. She graduated from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in 1998, beginning a lifelong passion for helping others and a deep commitment to creating a better life for her children.

In 2002, Michelle moved to Florida, where she began her career with Lee Memorial Health System and steadily built a remarkable career in healthcare. Over the years, she worked across multiple specialties, including emergency medicine, cardiac care, orthopedic surgery, and cosmetic medicine. Through constant learning and dedication, she sought not only to improve her own life, but to help others feel healthier and more confident—inside and out.

One of Michelle’s proudest accomplishments was building her business, Optimal Wellness, from the ground up. Her work reflected her drive, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Michelle’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Tiffany Savage, Marco Spatuzzi, and Talia Starczewski; her beloved grandson, Anthony Savage; her cherished dogs, Rocky and Merci, as well as family dogs Peyton and Little Foot; her fiancé, Shawn Hegedus; her sister, Carol Ann Rys; her special friend, Filomena “Aunt Mae” Stenger; and many loving relatives and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam Spatuzzi and Carol Frate; her son, Michael Starczewski; and her beloved dog, Bella Star.

Michelle will be remembered not only for her strength and compassion, but for her vibrant spirit and unmistakable style—especially her love for anything purple or sparkly, which perfectly reflected the light and energy she brought into the lives of those around her.

A service will be held on May 9, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 950 Chiquita Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33991.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Women’s Giving Circle of Southwest Florida.