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Michele Karen Havener

6/30/1955 - 1/21/2025

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Obituary For Michele Karen Havener

Michele Karen Havener

DOB 30JUN55

DOD 21JAN25

Virginia Beach - On the morning of 21 January 2025, God took Michele Karen Havener home. Michele was the loving and devoted mother of Jerritt Preston Lacy (Leanne) and Justin Taylor Lacy (Mandy) and grandmother of Leland, Blayne, Lara, Charlotte, Haden and Callan Lacy. She is also survived by her brother Shayne Havener, sister-in-law Tamey and niece Ciara. The family is planning a celebration of life for Michele which will take place on 21 June 2025 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Michele was born in 1955 to Shirley and Lon Havener. She and her brothers, Larry and Shayne, grew up in Woodbridge, Virginia. From an early age, Michele enjoyed being in the center of her crowd; she loved family gatherings and outings with friends. It was in these years that she developed an abiding passion for the beach during family summer trips to Ocean City, Maryland. It was also during these years that Michele was crowned Miss Prince William County 1973.

Michele had a life-long love of music and the arts. Through her final years, she could be heard singing joyfully along to the radio, tv or just to herself at any moment of the day. In her 20’s, Michele pursued a BA in Music from Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music, graduating in 1977. While in college, Michele met Ben Lacy. They were married in May 1977 and began their family in 1980 with the birth of Jerritt. In 1985, Justin joined the family.

Michele turned her professional focus towards education, another great love. She served the community of Loudoun County for 31 years in the public school system as a music teacher, guidance counselor, Director of School Counseling, and Assistant Principal. Her strong work ethic and compassion were evident to all. She had a profound effect on the lives of countless children during this time. Michele received a master’s in counseling from Virginia Tech in 1984, working full time and going to school at night to accomplish her goal. She retired from full-time work in 2008 but continued to educate and mentor the children of Loudoun County as a long-term substitute to the school system until 2020.

Michele’s family continued to grow as her sons Jerritt and Justin had families of their own. She adored her six grandchildren and doted on them whenever possible. Michele loved to spend time working with the kids on reading, going to movies, and sneaking them ice cream cones …against their parents’ wishes.

Michele’s joie de vive and glorious smile drew people to her throughout her life. She was blessed with a strong and exuberant circle of friends — Susie, Ginger, Judy, Tony, and Jerry, among many others — with whom she traveled, dined, and spent many long hours on the beach laughing and toasting the sunset.

In the face of her growing health problems, Michele showed her fighting spirit to the very end. She fought hard for — and won —four more months of life than her doctors expected. Each time they offered her the chance to go quietly, Michele indignantly declined. But her struggle was great, and the Lord was gracious in taking her home peacefully in the morning hours of 21 January.

Michele was loved greatly by all who knew her, and she will be missed every day by her family and friends.

Simply Cremation assisted Michele’s family. Please share memories and express condolences at SimplyCremationOnline.com.

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Condolences

  • 02/10/2025

    Bonnie Robertson

    I will miss Michelle. She was a great friend, colleague and supporter of children. She spent so much of her time helping students in LCPS. She had a wonderful sense of humor! She was kind and compassionate, and cared deeply for her children and grand children. She will be missed. Bonnie Robertson

  • 01/28/2025

    Jan Knight

    This is such sad news. I knew Michele right out of high school when we were music majors at Annandale Northern VA Community College. We sang in groups together and even took tap dance lessons for a while. She transferred to Shenandoah and I transferred to George Mason. Our paths crossed again when my daughter was at Loudoun County HS and Michelle was in administration there. She was an incredible person. I am so sorry her family has lost her. She will be missed.

  • 01/28/2025

    Barbara Drumheller

    Extraordinary individual. Michelle provided support and kind words when I taught at Freedom high school. She was there on a temporary assignment. She'll be missed.

  • 01/28/2025

    Donna Gates Kelly

    To Michelle's family sincere condolences on her passing. Donna Gates Kelly

  • 01/27/2025

    Georgia Pappas Fragale

    My deepest condolences for your profound loss. Mickey and I graduated Shenandoah Conservatory of Music together in 1977. She was a wonderful friend. I'll always remember her most from performing with her in GODSPELL. May her memory be eternal. ~ Georgia Pappas Fragale

  • 01/27/2025

    Terry &Rocky

    I met Michelle when Judy was first diagnosed. At that time she was taking care of her mother and Judy. Obviously a strong,caring & compassionate woman. Wishing you comfort. ~Terry & Rocky Smith

  • 01/27/2025

    David Jackson

    Words cannot express the sadness I feel. Michele's smile would light up a room, and her beautiful disposition will never be forgotten.

  • 01/27/2025

    Janice Christopher

    I had the pleasure of working with Michele in the 90's when I worked at the County Office and she was Director of Counselors at Broad Run. I remember her fondly. She was conscientious, worked hard, solved problems, and laughed often. She brought much joy to those in her midst. Sympathy and blessings to her family. Janice Christopher

  • 01/27/2025

    Pamela Potts

    I am sorry to get this news. Michelle was a good friend, fellow music educator and colleague in the Loudoun County Public School system. My sincere condolences to her sons and all her family.

  • 01/27/2025

    Pamela Potts

  • 01/27/2025

    Vince Sacco

    Michelle was a wonderful lady and good friend. Her ready smile and sense of humor will be sadly missed. Marla and I send our condolences to all of her family. Vince Sacco

  • 01/27/2025

    Jenny and Ray Aubel

    SO sorry for the loss of Michele. I knew her during my time at Broad Run. She was a Very dedicated educator, Friend and the center of the fun we had at Broad Run. She loved life and life lived her. May you find comfort in fond memories and family.

  • 01/27/2025

    Andrea Overko

    I was very sad to hear about Michele's passing. Its been many years since I have seen her, but I remember going to visit her many times for dinner or get together with her brother Shayne and his wife Tamey. She was a wonderful person and I am thankful I had the opportunity to know her. My deepest sympathy to the family. God Bless!

  • 01/27/2025

    Diane Breinig

    I was so sad to hear of Michele's passing. She was a great person, always happy, no matter what she was going through. I had the great pleasure of working with her for a couple of years and then being friends with her for several years after her retirement from LCPS. I will miss her friendship and guidance. Prayers for all of her family and friends. Blessings, Diane Breinig

  • 01/27/2025

    Beth Doyle

    I was so sorry to hear of Michele's passing. She was such a great person, full of life, love and an abundance of positivity. I feel grateful to have had her as my friend. I know she was so excited about her new home in VA Beach and I'm glad she was able to have that time with her family. I will miss her and always remember her (especially when I see a picture of Tom Selleck). See you on the other side, Michele. XOXO. Beth

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