Michele (“Ashley”) Cannella, lovingly known as Ash and Shelly, passed away on January 21st, 2022 at St. Clare’s Denville Hospital at 65 years of age. She was the wife of Lisa Manos. They shared 23 years of loving partnership together, including 20 years of marriage.

Born in Bronx, NY on April 21st, 1956, she was the daughter of Leonard Cannella and Caroline Lapide Cannella. Michele studied early childhood development in college. She spent many years making connections with people in the community through her work in sales. No matter which company she worked for, Michele worked with integrity and compassion to help connect people with the services they needed. Michele spent her final years as the owner of her own business, providing stair lift services for individuals who needed increased independence and mobility.

Michele was a deeply spiritual person and a Catholic. Her faith was a source of comfort and stability throughout her life. She enjoyed spending warm summer afternoons with Lisa in their backyard, where she would feed the birds and the deer that wandered through. She adored dogs and had special connections with her dogs, Casey Jones and Bella Cannella until they passed. Michele was happiest when near the water, whether in the pool, on the beach, or fishing in a lake. She played tennis and golf as a young woman and took pleasure in watching both games throughout her life. Her favorite role, perhaps, was being Nonna to her granddaughter, Jillian. They shared a deep bond that will be cherished for many years to come.

Michele is survived by her wife, Lisa, daughters, Michelle and Diana, son-in-law, John, granddaughter, Jillian, brothers Gino and Robinson, cousins Carmella, Gary, Pam, Paula, Bobbie Anne, Marie, Michael and Cathie, and many other loving family members. She is pre-deceased by her parents, Leonard and Caroline, and her brother, Michael.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Calling hours will be Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 10 – 1 pm with a brief service beginning at 1 pm.  (PLEASE NOTE – the time of this service has changed from Saturday)

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to HMI, The Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQ+ Youth, www.hmi.org.

To protect each other and the vulnerable among us, Michele’s family requests masks be worn throughout the visit.