Michele Cousino-LeMay

Michele LeMay was much more than a woman in a wheelchair. She was an inspiration to hundreds of people, and her amazing strength made people want to live their lives better. Michele’s name will be remembered forever, as will the incredible story of her life.

Michele Liane Cousino was born February 11, 1950 in Monroe, Michigan. As the youngest daughter of Elvert and Mildred (Larrow) Cousino, Michele had a rather frightful entrance into the world. She was born prematurely, though in later years her family, which included 8 siblings, would joke that it was the only time Michele was ever early. Together, the Cousino children grew up on a farm in LaSalle. On hot summer days they would visit their aunt and uncle on Wamplers Lake. Michele loved it there. Well, really she liked any place that was near the water. She loved the coolness of it against her skin, the glimmer of it as it reflected the sun, and the sound of its waves as they touched the shore.

Even when she had to leave the lake and return to the realities of life, Michele always noticed the simple things that brought her life joy. By the time she turned 14, this positive attitude helped her accept an unexpected diagnosis. Up until that point, Michele had been very athletic. She had even been captain of the 8th grade basketball team. All of this changed the moment Michele’s doctor diagnosed her with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. By her 17th birthday, she was confined to a wheelchair.

That is, she was confined physically. But quit was not a word in Michele’s vocabulary. After graduating from St. Mary’s Academy in 1968, she was ready to continue her education. She was determined to be an active participant in her life and the lives of others. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, both summa cum laude. In the mean time, she became very active in issues of the disabled, fighting for legislation and barrier free design. She even attended a national conference in Washington D.C. Michele became a pioneer in transportation accessibility causes. Her efforts improved not only the quality of her own life, but the lives of countless others.

While volunteering at the Center for Independent living in Ann Arbor, Michele met Jim LeMay. Actually, they already had a history together, since Michele had beaten him out of a job in preceding years. Jim was not bitter though. He fell in love with Michele and her beautiful green eyes, and they were married a year-and-a half later on August 2, 1987. From the start, their relationship was based on helping each other. For her part, Michelle helped Jim more than she would ever know. Her kind and patient way made Jim’s life incredibly rich. Michele, too, loved Jim for simply being himself.

Michele kept herself busy with all kinds of projects. She was very artistic and liked to draw and paint. She also did a lot of volunteer work, though she never really thought of it as “work.” For Michele, it was something she truly loved doing. She spent time with the Host Program, a reading program in the Ann Arbor Public Schools, and volunteered at the University of Michigan Cancer Center’s Survivor Day Program. No matter what she was doing, Michele kept her faith close to her. She attended St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and loved being a part of the choir. Through music, she could best express her enthusiasm for life.

Despite difficulties Michele faced, which included over 30 major surgeries, she never complained. She was a warrior and a gallant fighter who for 40 years became part of many miracles. Even with limited mobility, Michele managed to touch the lives of hundreds of people. They looked to her for inspiration, and there is no doubt that she was a constant source of it. She was a living miracle. Michele overcame all obstacles, all the while maintaining an unbreakable spirit.

In her final weeks, more than 100 people flocked to Michele’s bedside to let her know how much she meant. Two weeks before her death, Michele had an added blessing. She was able to see her family gathered together at a lakeside cottage. It was just as magical as it had been in her childhood - her family together at the water’s edge. Those who knew Michele will always remember her and be thankful that she was part of their lives. Michele died Tuesday, June 8, 2004 at her home. She will be remembered by her surviving family who include her husband, Jim LeMay, her brothers and sisters; Marilyn (Robert) Ulrich, Yvonne (Thomas) Acton, Ronald (Gretchen) Cousino, Janice (Robert) Daschke and Barry (Karen) Cousino, also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Nie Life Story Funeral Home™, 2400 Carpenter Rd. on Saturday, June 12, 2004 from 3 – 6 p.m., and on Sunday, June 13th from 2 – 8 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, June 14th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2250 Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Fr. James Conlon will be officiating. Interment will take place Monday at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe, MI.