Michelle Virginia Whitelaw Stemper
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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.