On Sunday December 27, 2020 Michelle Bononno Banholzer passed into the loving arms of her savior Jesus Christ after a courageous 5-year battle with scleroderma. Michelle was born on May 7, 1973 in Long Valley, NJ to Tim and Jo-Ann (Murray) Bononno. Michelle received her BS in Education from Radford University in 1995. She obtained her master’s degree in Instructional Design from Walden University in 2014. Michelle began her professional career as a math and science teacher at Liberty MS in Hanover County, making stops at Brookland MS and Byrd MS (Quioccasin MS) in Henrico County. She loved the classroom but felt the pull of the technology department at the county’s main office. She was so intrigued by technology in our school systems and the positive impact upon our children. Michelle finished her career in Henrico County after 6 years as a technology specialist and 20 years of service.

While at Radford Michelle met her husband of 24 years, Mike Banholzer. They were married in a springtime ceremony on April 20, 1996 in Chester, NJ. After one year they welcomed Michael Anthony Banholzer on July 22, 1997. Soon after, Matthew Timothy Banholzer was born on April 19, 2002. Throughout her entire life, Michelle’s primary focus was her family and these boys. She was a devoted baseball mom and integral Board Member at Tuckahoe Little League in Richmond. Michelle loved the beach and her flip flops, she loved a hot cup of coffee, she loved her Daddy, she loved her puppies, she loved Christmas, she loved Facebook, she loved a good breakfast, she loved Cambridge Baptist Church and the Women’s Ministry, most of all she loves Almighty God. Michelle had the most energetic and upbeat attitude and never, ever questioned why her. She had the most vivacious smile and sparkling green eyes that could capture you for a lifetime.

Michelle, affectionately known to her family as Shelly, was proceeded in death by her mom, Jo-Ann (Estler) Bononno and sister-in-law Linda Bononno. Michelle is survived by her husband Mike and sons Michael (23) and Matthew (18). Her Dad Tim (Lisa) Bononno, Big Brother Michael (Betsy) Bononno, Stepbrother Jake (Alyssa) Youngman, Aunt Susie Bononno, Aunt Sandy (Patrick) Ryan, Uncle Jeffery (Renee) Estler.

Her Virginia family of 30 years included Nana and Pop Pop Banholzer, brother-in-law TJ (Katie), sister-in-law-Jennifer (Andre`), and sister-in-law Sherrie.

Michelle’s loving family also included many devoted nieces and nephews whom she adored. Brett, Gracie(Bononno); Julia, Nick (Pierson); Kaitlyn, Sofie, Olivia (Banholzer), Tommy, Joe, AJ (Williams); Aaron, Hunter (Smilow). She felt so blessed to have each of them in her life. Michelle also left behind a multitude of friends and co-workers. Too many to list but all were special and held a place in her heart.

A special Thank You to Henrico Doctor’s Hospital and all the Doctors, Nurses, and staff for their comfort and compassionate care during this time.

Visitation will be held Thursday January 7, 2021 from 4-8pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown NJ. A funeral mass will be held Friday January 8, 2021 at 11am at Our Lady of the Mountain RC Church, 2 East Springtown Rd, Long Valley NJ.

A Celebration of Michelle’s life will be held at Cambridge Baptist Church, 12025 Gayton Rd, Henrico VA early next week. Details will be announced when finalized.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Scleroderma Foundation at Scleroderma.org