June 30, 1959 – Jan. 9, 2018
Michelle died peacefully on January 9, 2018 after a year-long battle with cancer.
She was born on June 30, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan to Paul and Barbara Faeth. She graduated from Harry Hill High School in 1977 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University in 1982.
Michelle moved to California in 1982, where she met Douglas Clark. They were married on June 22, 1985 in Salinas, California and settled in Aromas, California, where they raised their two daughters. Michelle was a Girl Scout troop leader and an active member of the Aromas Community Grange.
She earned her Teaching Credential in 2007 and enjoyed teaching elementary and middle school students in the area. Her most recent position was teaching Humanities at Linscott Charter School in Watsonville. She absolutely loved the community, the staff, and the students, and had planned on teaching there for the rest of her career. Throughout her life, Michelle’s biggest passions were caring for her family, helping the community, learning new skills, exploring and sharing her knowledge with others.
Michelle was preceded in death by her husband Doug and mother Barbara, who both passed away in 2015. She is survived by her father Paul, her siblings Maryanne Greketis and Michael Faeth, and her daughters Rachel Beaupre (Ken), Laura Bentz (Ryan), and first grandchild due in April.
Michelle’s memorial will be Saturday, January 27 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Aromas Grange. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Aromas Community Grange (831-726-7234) or to Hospice of Santa Cruz County (831-430-3000).
