Jan. 14, 2021, we lost our beloved Mimi. A lifelong resident of Centralia, Wash., Michele (May) Stoner, was known and loved by many.
She was preceded in death by her partner, Jack Normand; parents, Leon and Betty May; sister, Mary Lou May; and brother-in-law, Joe Parypa.
She leaves behind daughter, Shelley Stoner; sisters, Pat (Don) Henning, Kathy (Larry) Chastain, and Ellen Parypa; nieces, Katie Parypa-Neva (Nick Graham) and Sophie; and nephew, Aaron (Chantel) Parypa and Craig Chastain. Michele had many close friends she considered family, including the Doug and Michelle Lee family of Idaho, Michael Weigant of Centralia, and Rick Miller of Palm Springs, Calif.
Michele served in several capacities during her many years in the work force, that include data entry management at Bank Check Supply, secretary for Cascade Mental Health Children’s Program, and finally, deputy clerk at The Lewis County Clerk’s Office. In these roles, she found many friends who would likely say they appreciated her work ethic, incisive humor, and clever sensibilities.
During her retirement years, Michele enjoyed growing flowers, baking, spending time with her family, laughing at life, and her annual trip to Palm Springs, Calif., where she visited her closest friends.
Michele would want her friends to know that when treatment for her cancer failed, she deliberately chose hospice care. Her final days were spent at home, surrounded by her family awake and aware. When the time came, she simply went to sleep, allowing her family the blessing of a gentle exit. Her determination and grace as she faced the unknown was just another testament to the unfailing example of courage she offered to those that she loved. While Michele leaves behind a void that will never be filled, we will forever rise in her wake of kindness, generosity, and bravery of spirit.
A memorial service is planned for the summer of 2021.
