Michelle Lynn McHenry

Michelle Lynn McHenry passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, after a 3-year clash with lung cancer with her son Greg at her bedside. Those close to her knew her as energetic, courageous and optimistic inspiring in her love of life and care for others.

Michelle was born in Akron, Ohio in 1959 and attended The Ohio State University where she majored in dietetics. It was in 1978 at Ohio State that she met Lee McHenry, who shared her zest for life and love of music. Since connecting over Bruce Springsteen, Michelle and Lee spent their life together exploring music extensively, this serving as a keystone in their lives. Though she was unable to carry a tune, Michelle openly embraced new music: whatever song was on the radio or record player at the time could very well be her next “favorite song.”

Michelle and Lee were married in 1982. She was a devoted, resilient, and loving wife who supported her husband’s career in medicine as his studies took them to Cincinnati, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Richmond, VA, and finally to Indianapolis, IN in 2002, their home for the past 23 years. Michelle continued her work as a dietitian until motherhood came calling. While raising their three boys, she continued to serve others through volunteering with Meals on Wheels, Cub Scouts, Brebeuf Jesuit, and the Indianapolis Opera.

While the boys were in grade school, Michelle enrolled at the Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in accounting and successfully passing all four sections of the CPA Exam on her first attempt. Over the next 20 years, she worked at several accounting firms in Virginia and Indianapolis. She finished her career working from home for TurboTax Live, where she loved meeting people from around the country and helping those from all walks of life with her expertise.

Michelle held a passion for travel, exploration and nature through the final weeks of her life. From early trips to the Caribbean, through the National Parks of the United States, to innumerable visits to Europe, Michelle’s list of favorite places included Northern Michigan, Paris, France, and back home in the living room with Lee in front of the record player. Whether backcountry camping on North Manitou

Island, Michigan or braving a polar hurricane to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, Michelle found beauty and excitement in the natural world, always on the lookout for some of her favorite birds like Cedar Waxwings, Plovers and Magpies. The two transformed their backyard into a wildlife oasis, bringing the adventure of the outdoors always in sight.

Michelle is preceded in death by her mother Sandra Kay Godfrey (nee Ross) and her sister Lori Walter (nee Godfrey). Surviving family members are her husband, Lee; her sons Adam (Megan), Greg (Gina), and Will (Gregg); and her seven grandchildren. Michelle credited her great-Uncle Guy and great-Aunt Mama for cementing her devotion to family. Over the years, she maintained close connections with her in-laws, nieces, and nephews, and prioritized one-on-one time with each of her grandchildren, ensuring they received the individualized, nurturing attention she had growing up.

Funeral services will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208 on Sunday January 19th, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Visitation is 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm. An off-site celebration of life reception will follow.

Indiana University, their physicians and staff hold a special place in the McHenry family’s hearts. The family of Michelle McHenry requests donations be made to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center for the McHenry/Sherman Scholarly Lectureship. Gifts can also be made online at go.iu.edu/8rUf. Alternatively, a check may be mailed to: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207 with memo “In memory of Michelle McHenry”.