Michele Yabes-Manuzon

She was born in San Pablo City, Philippines, to Lourdes Patiga Yabes and the late Salvador Ines Yabes. The cherished middle sibling of Salvador Jr. (Kuya Jun) and Richard, Michele brought warmth and grace to her family from an early age.

Michele faced cancer with remarkable courage from her diagnosis in 2017 until her passing. Throughout her journey, she remained steadfastly positive, strong, and quietly brave.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband and best friend, Roderick Beroin Manuzon, and their children, Kaitlin Alexandra and Luis Rafael, who carry forward her love and light.

A gifted scholar, Michele excelled throughout her studies, graduating magna cum laude with a BS in Biology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, where she later earned her MS in Microbiology. She went on to complete her PhD in Food Science at The Ohio State University.

Michele made significant contributions to the field of food microbiology, particularly in the rapid and advanced detection of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella. She served as a scientist for major U.S. companies, including Nestlé, Purina, and 3M. Colleagues admired not only her brilliance and dedication but also her kindness, humility, and compassion. She touched countless lives through her mentorship and the genuine care she extended to everyone around her.

Michele is profoundly missed by her husband, children, family, friends, and colleagues—and by all who remember her gentle spirit, selfless generosity, and the way she made others feel seen and valued.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.