Michele Bekele

Born on May 19, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, Michele was the daughter of Peter and Flora Furtado and the sister of Danielle Valentino. She graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in psychology and dedicated her career to helping others.

Michele spent her career doing what she loved most: caring for and uplifting others. She began as a special education teacher assistant at Matheny Medical and Educational Center, where she met her husband, Berhanu Bekele. Michele went on to serve as a program manager at the Hartwood Foundation, and later as a residential supervisor with Loudoun County Community Services Board. Most recently, she dedicated her service to Prince William County Community Services Board, where she worked for 12 years. She dedicated 30 years of her life to assisting individuals with disabilities.

To say Michele was devoted to her work would be an understatement. She poured her heart into every role she held. Her colleagues respected her, the people she supported trusted her, and her impact is felt beyond the workplace.

Michele was a loving wife to Berhanu and a proud, devoted mother to her children, Emily and Alexander. Her warmth, generosity, and sense of humor were constants in their lives. She loved trying new foods, listening to music, traveling to new places, and filling her home with laughter and love. To know Michele was to feel seen, heard, and cared for. She had a gift for making people feel like they mattered, and she gave of herself without hesitation, without judgment, and always with grace.

She is survived by her husband, Berhanu, her children, Emily and Alexander, her parents, Peter and Flora, and her sister, Danielle. She also leaves behind extended family, friends, and countless others whose lives she touched with her kindness.

Michele’s legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering compassion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.