Michelle M. McTernan

Michelle M. McTernan, was born in Kansas City, Missouri on 9/11/1956. After graduating Center High School, she worked at different blue print companies. She worked at the Kansas City Star in composing and upon leaving the Star worked at Garmin Industries. Michelle was a gifted artist specializing in pastels and watercolors. Much of her early free time was spent in painting and creative art works.

Michelle was a born again Christian and was a member of Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. When she was 40 years old, Michelle contracted Multiple Sclerosis (MS) but that did not slow her down. She accommodated her activities to what the disease would allow and continued to travel using her power chair and handicapped accessible vans. She even went on a couple of cruises after she was confined to her wheelchair. These times were especially enjoyable for her.

As the disease continued, her condition deteriorated, and she was forced to stop working. During her time at home she continued her sketching, and watercolors. Accommodations were made in the home but could not keep up as the disease progressed. Her condition required her to move into a skilled nursing facility, Villa St. Francis in Olathe.  Her cheery disposition was a joy to the staff at the Villa and she made many friends. One of her passions was playing Bingo and she always told Donna not to come on any afternoon when she could play Bingo. She hit several “speed bumps” during her time at the Villa as the disease continued ravaging her body. She lost the use of both legs and her left hand and arm until finally; she had no use of any of her limbs.

MS robs you of “you” but Michelle kept an up-beat attitude. She proved to be a mentor to those in the nursing home who were facing their own issues and seeing how Michelle coped with her infirmity, gave them hope.

She leaves behind her beloved friend of 40 years, Donna Wessner, her best buddy, the “gray ghost”, her cat, Sammy.  Family friend, Melinda Minks was also very helpful during her life and illness.

Her parents preceded her in death, and she also leaves four brothers, Hugh, Michael, Bill and her favorite, Stevie, and a sister Rita.

Because of her love for Sammy and all animals, donations in Michelle’s honor may be made to the Pet Project Animal Shelter in Kansas City, MO.

And then one day, I’ll cross the river

I’ve fought life’s final war with pain

And then my death gave way to victory

I see the lights of glory and I know He lives.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM on February 4, 2022 at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66224.