Michele Bracco

Michele Therese Bracco, sister, aunt, cousin and friend passed away on August 31st a couple of weeks after celebrating her 75th birthday. She was the daughter of Theresa and Louis Bracco. Born into a large Italian American family in New York City, she developed a loving nature, a good sense of humor and a zest for life. Michele (Shelley) always wanted to be a nurse. So, after graduation from Nyack High School, in Nyack, NY, she headed to Lenox Hill Hospital School of Nursing and received her certification in 1966. In 1967, she was granted her license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the state of New York. Over the years, she worked at Lenox Hill Hospital and later at a neighborhood clinic in the city. Michele furthered her knowledge and experience when she completed a Bachelor of Arts (cum Laude) degree at Marymount Manhattan College in 1980. She received her certification as a nurse practitioner in women's health in the State of New York, 1989. She worked at Montefiore Hospital in Women's Health until her retirement in 2009. Though retired, she always kept up with anything and everything new in the medical field. Although she was our favorite go-to health person, Michele also enjoyed traveling in Europe and Mexico over the years and spent one year as a school nurse in Madrid, Spain. With her phenomenal memory, she could remember every detail of those travels even years later. One of the most important parts of Michele's life was her mentoring of a shy, smart, great little boy of five. She worked with him daily, helped him with projects and went to his school conferences. She was extremely proud of him over the years and was able to see him graduate from Marist College. It was with deep sadness that we said good-bye to Shelley. She had a wonderful life and she is missed so much for her positive attitude, generosity and the love she spread to all of us. She is survived by her sister, Pat Burns, her brother, Paul Bracco and his wife, Lily Ojano Bracco, a brother-in-law, Tim Roark and her very cherished nieces with whom she had a special relationship. One niece, Lauren Maddux is married to Will. Their three children are Sawyer, Wilson, and Mae. Lindsey Roark Yee, her sister, is married to Alan and they are the parents of Timothy and Collin. Michele is also leaving behind Roberto Brand Jr., that little 5-year-old who is now a young man of 22. Our younger sister, Susan Roark predeceased Shelley in July, 2020. If you wish to honor Shelley, please donate to the American Cancer Society, the Pancreatic Cancer Network or to any charity of your choice.