January 25, 1975 ~ July 8, 2023
Michelle Virginia Whitelaw Stemper, beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, and aunt unexpectedly passed from this life due to a heart attack on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the age of 48. Her heart was so big that it burst. She is survived by her loving husband, Mark; children Elle, Nelson, Bellamie, and Katherine; parents Ron and Virginia, father Michael; father-in-law and mother-in-law Al and Judy; brother Mike, sister Marianne and brother-in-law Devon, sister-in-law Cheri; nieces and nephews Virginia, Peyton, William, and Amelia; aunts and uncles Fred, Ellen, Betsy, and Larry; dearest friend Reese; numerous other family members and too many friends to count.
She is preceded in death by her grandmother Virginia and aunt Anne.
Michelle lived her life with a zest few could match. She deeply cared about people and was always the first to extend a helping hand. She gave people the clothes off her back. She loved her husband Mark passionately – their connection was one that many search for their entire lives. Michelle was a devoted mother who loved her children with her whole being. She was the ultimate fun aunt.
As a lifelong restaurateur she wore many hats – her last being as a manager at Making Raving Fans (MRF) Hospitality Group as the director of operations at Portobellos. She believed in her work, putting her heart and soul into making every MRF experience one to remember. She truly embodied the MRF philosophy of making everyone part of the family. Michelle greatly admired the MRF ownership team. Everything that made her a success at MRF was thanks to the endless experience she gained with her brother Mike at his restaurants in Minnesota. Her work ethic knew no bounds.
Michelle will be profoundly and forever missed.
A visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home on Sunday, July 16 from 1:00pm-3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations please be made to Alcoholic Anonymous, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, and Louisiana Restaurant Association Pro Start.
2 comments
Erin Seymour
August 1, 2023 at 1:19 am
To the family and friends of Michelle. I hadn’t seen Michelle since high school graduation but we were friends. She made a profound difference in my life in one moment.
I was in an abusive relationship in high school, which Michelle knew about. One day my boyfriend at the time had me held by the throat against the lockers in a little hallway. Michell came in and threw him against the locker by his neck and yelled, “how do you like it”???!!!!! He slipped out sulkily. From that point on not only did I look up to her for sticking up for me but also, she taught me that everyone, no matter what their size, can make a difference in someone else’s life.
Michelle was a warrior in my eyes and she will make an excellent guardian Angel for many.
God bless you Michelle!
You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Gwyn Brown
July 14, 2023 at 7:16 pm
My deepest condolences to Mark, Elle, Nelson, and Bellamie. Michelle was such a loving, generous, caring person and a devoted, committed mother and wife. I will be forever grateful for the friendship and love she gave to Lauren. I am so glad that I and my family got to know her and hers. She will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives she touched. Sending you all prayers and so much love.
Gwyn Brown Batson