"I just learned of Michele's passing. Sending my deep condolences. Michele had an incredible outlook on life especially considering the health issues she lived with. This is a beautiful video, it captures her love of family, children and life that she approached filled with love and compassion. May she rest in peace and may all the family find peace going forward."
In loving memory of
Michele T. K. Ely
February 24, 1947 - December 16, 2021
Michele T.K. Ely
Michele was born in Buffalo, NY on the cusp of great change in 1947. She was born just 2 months before Jackie Robinson became the 1st African American major league baseball player. Around the same time the "Diary of Anne Frank" was published, and Tennessee Williams won the Pulitzer Prize for "A Street Car Named Desire."
Her father, James C. Knuckles, Sr. worked for the U.S. Bank while her mother, Edith worked for an insurance company. Both worked hard professionally while raising their small family which also included her older brother, James. Michele graduated from East High in Buffalo, NY in 1964, furthering her education at the University of Rochester with a degree in English.
Amidst a time of civil unrest, Michele met the person who changed her life. She met James S. Ely, Jr. at Cradle Beach Camp, and they married later in 1969. They sailed, snorkeled, and enjoyed a journey of backpacking across Europe. After satisfying their initial wanderlust they settled in and were blessed with six children: Cynthia, Victoria, Maude, James, Michael and Nicole. Though the Elys loved to travel, they equally loved to spend time with their family and friends.
In 1971 Michele and James established a company, Photogenesis Camera Center, Ltd. which they kept alive for 19 years. Outside of work, family, church, and service work were a very important part of their lives. Michele taught a GED night class for adults and was also very involved in volunteering in organizations that were meaningful to her, like Children Awaiting Parents, New Life Fellowship, and Pearl Ministries.
Like most people in upstate New York, Michele was a dedicated Bills fan. She loved football and being social with friends and family. She also enjoyed skiing, reading, writing, and crossword puzzles. She played the piano and watched Perry Mason and the Golden Girls. She had many friends, one that was particularly special to her was Michael Schell. She also was grateful for her dog Molly, who was a loving companion till the end.
Michele was a woman of strength and with a strong faith in God. She was sharp, witty, intelligent with great wisdom and integrity. She had a memorable affect on this world and will be dearly missed.
ROCHESTER - Native of Buffalo, passed away on December 16, 2021. Predeceased by her husband, James S. Ely Jr; Parents, James C. Knuckles Sr & Edith Doar Knuckles; brother, James C. Knuckles Jr. She is survived by her children, Cynthia L.S. Ely, Victoria E. (Tyrone) Andrews, Maude V. Johnson, James H. (Chywane) Ely, Michael C. (Elizabeth) Ely & Nicole W. (Rayman) Ely-Joshi; 16 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother-in-Law, John W. Wendler; nephews, Noah E. Wendler & Luke A. Wendler.
Michele was a philanthropist who supported organizations that provided services to children and families in crisis. In 1969 she graduated from the U of R and married James. In 1971 they established Photogenesis, a retail camera, video & photofinishing business. This is just one of her lifetime fulfilling occupations. Michele's caring nature was revealed through the raising of 6 children, a couple of grandchildren, co-founding and serving as President with Children Awaiting Parents, GED Educator for adults & an active member of New Life Fellowship Church. One of her many passions was traveling, missionary work in Haiti, and being a founding member and Pearl Ministries. She will be remembered for her faith, family & philanthropy.
Her life story will be shared during her visitation, 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 21st at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. Her funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 22nd at New Life Fellowship Church, 330 Wellington Ave. Interment in Riverside Cemetery, Rochester, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children Awaiting Parents, 176 Anderson Ave Ste. F202, Rochester, NY 14607 in Michele's name.
Tributes
"When elder dies, a library burns to the ground. - An African proverb. I love you Michele. Michael Schell"
"Our NCBI Rochester community mourns the death of our friend, Michele Ely. Tributes to her include phrases like "phenomenal woman," and "gentle yet fierce." One person noted that "her one-to-one conversations made you feel as though you had her undivided attention." Others used words like "truth," "principle," "wisdom," "strength," and "kindness." May her memory resound in the lives of all she touched."
"I was so sad to learn of Michele's passing. I got to know her through our service on the Children Awaiting Parents Board of Directors. Michele was an inspiration, always seeking the sustainability of CAP in order to ensure opportunities for children waiting in foster care to find their forever famlies. Her passion, generosity, and vision guided us, and her dream continues to help place children with loving families. She was a good friend, and I will miss her. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing that brings comfort in the days and months ahead."