Like an aunt of 16 years,
A friend to so many;
A dancer so wise.
The dance of your life,
Cruelly cut short.
For you I say,
Te amo: I love you;
In Latin you never got to hear.
Now the smallest of breaths,
Echo loudly.
I knew before words confirmed,
My heart became brittle pottery.
That shattered as I became a banshee,
Keening in that moment.
No more will I have the pleasure,
Of your warm hugs and dancing as your lady;
Of your smile, to hear you laugh.
To share my joys with you,
To receive your guidance;
Assurances when things are confusing or hard.
Currently your absence a world,
I, Atlas, carry.
Pain of cold and grief shoot,
Through as hypothermia.

Michelle was always a ray of sunshine. My daughter said it best: she lit up the room. For the past couple of years, we traveled down to Dublin after South Sligo Summer School and went to the theater, restaurants and museums together. Wonderful times!

Dancing on the 2025 Joanie Madden Folk'n Irish Cruise

If someone needed a ride to an event or appointment, she was ready to drive them. When the RKIDs needed someone to make class reservations with the county, she stepped up. Her insights into the readings at the Book Club discussions were always interesting. RIP, Michelle.

Michelle Yam was a doer, a joiner, a volunteer, a supporter, and a trouper. I've known Michelle for at least 35 years and during that time I've known her to participate in the Lost on The Beltway Book Club, Literary Connections, the Rebounders (University of Maryland Women's Basketball Booster Club), season ticket holder at Maryland for the women's basketball games, the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers (RKIDs), and the GWCC. In all cases, she volunteered to help and served the membership in many capacities. She also was a constant traveler with many of these groups. Her contributions were endless and she will be missed by many.

I met Michelle back in the days of Literary Connections and found her to be very welcoming and warm from the first time we were introduced. She was always very engaged in every get-together, and I found that to also be true in the Ring of Kerry Dancers social group. Throughout the years, her enthusiasm never wavered. If something needed getting done, Michelle was your go-to person. I will miss her warm smile and sparkling eyes.

In the very short time we knew her, Michelle was a generous, loving, and fun person to be with. Our first long chat was at the Frederick Keys baseball game. We were so impressed with her knowledge of baseball … and actually all sports. She invited us to a Maryland Women’s basketball game where she gave us a first-class tour of the facilities. She made us (and I believe everyone) feel so special. We are very, very sad to see her leave us. We know she is now in the shining light and glory of greater love.

Michelle was always so sweet and friendly. She had a smile on her face and was so easy to engage. I will miss her.

You could always count on Michelle to volunteer willingly for any service needed to support the RKIDs. We appreciated her long standing service of scheduling our classes with the Montgomery County School System.

As new members of the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers, Michelle always reached out to us in a warm and welcoming way. She was willing to dance with us and showed us in a kind way, the steps she knew so well. We weren’t easy! Michelle was instrumental in encouraging me (Chuck) and guiding me to play and then purchase the best tin whistle for a first time player. One of our favorite times together was celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the Limerick Pub in 2025. That’s where we got the lowdown on her love of Maryland Women’s Basketball!

With memories of Michelle’s caring ways, she will always have a place in our hearts and her spirit will always be a presence in our dance celebrations.

At Limerick Pub on St. Patrick's Day 2025

Michelle was always willing to help others and learn something new.

Putting the floor down in Rehoboth for the GWCC Fall Fling