Michelle L. Boss Solski

She had a personality that could light up a room and a sense of humor that could make you blush. Like her father, Michelle was always ready with an inappropriate joke, a mischievous grin, and a laugh that was impossible not to join. She, her mom, and sister Darcy could laugh together until they literally cried…or wet their pants, leaving memories that will be treasured forever.

Michelle was the self-proclaimed favorite child and the prettiest sister, and she made sure everyone knew. She was also the only one who could truly get away with giving her brother Bob a hard time. Somehow, Michelle always seemed to get a pass—and she knew it.

At the center of Michelle’s world was her only child, Jenna. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, pride, and a lifetime of memories. Jenna was Michelle’s greatest joy and one of the most important parts of her life. Through Jenna and her beloved son-in-law, Garrett, Michelle was blessed with five grandchildren: Alexa, Bella, Ethan, Emma, and Garrett Cook. Her grandchildren brought her endless joy and a love that was truly beyond measure. She cherished every moment with them and would do just about anything to make them happy.

To the children in her life, Michelle was the babysitter kids wished for and parents regretted. She always seemed to arrive with candy, and when it came to her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, the rules were more like suggestions. She was wonderfully permissive, always willing to bend, or completely break, the rules if it meant creating a little more fun. She was the aunt who would say yes when everyone else said no, and the grandmother who knew that sometimes the best memories come from getting away with something.

Michelle gave freely and loved fiercely. She was forever sending gifts to her grandchildren and sneaking candy or toys into the pockets of her nieces and nephews, making sure they knew they were thought of and cared for. She was selfless in ways, both big and small. She was always willing to help or simply be there. She was the kind of person who gave without keeping score.

She also knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life: soaking up the sun in the pool, hunting for treasures while thrifting, and turning an ordinary space into something beautiful summoning her inner Martha Stewart or Kathy Boss, usually on a budget.

And then there was Michelle's sparkle. She loved a bedazzle, giant hoop earrings, a little cleavage and anything that let her personality shine. She was beautiful inside and out, even though she was famously camera-shy. No photograph could ever fully capture the warmth, humor, generosity, and light she brought into people's lives.

Michelle's greatest legacy is not something that can be measured or put into words. It lives in the people she loved—in Jenna who was the center of her world; in the grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy; in her beloved partner, Mark; in the nieces and nephews who knew they could always count on her; in the family who laughed until they cried and in every person who experienced her kindness and enormous heart.

She showed us that life is meant to be enjoyed, that sometimes rules are meant to be broken, that laughter is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other, and that loving someone means showing up again and again.

She left the world a little brighter, a little funnier, and filled with love.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Forever Loved

Devoted daughter of Katherine and the late William Boss

Cherished mother of Jenna (Garrett) Cook

Adored Nana of Alexa, Bella, Ethan, Emma, and Garrett Cook

Beloved partner of Mark Holder

Prettiest sister of Robert (Kathleen) Boss and Darcy (Michael) Alaska

Adored aunt/Mimi to Heather Boss, Dawn (Michael) Omiecinski, William (Megan) Boss, Ryan (Dan) Dust, Daniel Boss, Vincent Alaska, Nicholas Alaska, Joseph Alaska, Brian (Marguerite) Solski, Danny (Ellen) Solski, Lauren (Chris) Rabbitt, Richard (Piera) Murphy, Janine (Matt) Shortall, Michael (Lindsay) Solski, Megan (Huriel) Cevallos, Jonathon Solski, Madison Dahm, Griffin Dahm, Greg (Jennifer) Ginger, and Kelly (Baileigh) Ginger

Super Silly Great Aunt to Elly, Conner, Rory, Timothy, William, and Robert.

Former spouse of James (Lisa) Solski

Former sister-in-law to the late Ricky (Lynn), Michael (Dee) Solski, Burt (Penny) Solski, Cathy (Richard) Murphy and Shawn (Kevin) Dahm

A Celebration of Life for MIchelle will be held at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W 103rd St, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453, on August 18, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.