HERKIMER-Michelle Deanne Woytowich age 62, passed away peacefully on Friday March 23, 2018 in Faxton-Saint Lukes Medical Center in New Hartford. She was surrounded with the support and comfort of her loving family by her side. She was born on February 14, 1956 in Ithaca, daughter of the late Leland Kent and Marjorie Helen Hollenbeck Smith. Michelle was raised in Richfield Springs and was a 1974 graduate of Richfield Springs High School. She continued her education, graduating from Ithaca College in 1978 with a degree in Business Administration. She owned and operated various area businesses including Richfield Housing Center in Richfield Springs and the Midtown Tavern on North Main Street in Herkimer. From 2007 to 2010 she worked in retail sales with the Herkimer Telegram. She later went to work as a cook with Mohawk Valley Community Action in Herkimer and said it was a job that she truly enjoyed, working with all the children. She retired in December of 2017. Michelle was an energetic lady, and when her daughters were younger she was active with the Brownies and Girl Scouts. She loved animals and had spent many hours volunteering at the Herkimer County Humane Society. In her leisure time, she enjoyed doing needlepoint and also loved spending time at Canadarago Lake with her family, including her dear partner and companion Ralph Perry. To all who knew her she was a sincere, caring and helpful woman with a quick wit and no-nonsense personality. She will be sadly missed by her many friends, family, especially her four children and two cherished grandchildren. Surviving are her devoted companion Ralph Perry, three daughters, Alison Cooper and her husband Jason of Rotterdam, Lara Woytowich of Concord, NH, Haley Perry of Binghamton, one son Matthew Perry of Utica, a sister, Julie Solomon of Norwich, two brothers, Roger Smith and his wife Tammy of Cooperstown, Bradley Smith and his wife Suzanne of Richfield Springs, an uncle, Stephen Smith of Spencer, two grandchildren Augusta and Abram Cooper of Rotterdam, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours for Michelle will be on Saturday from 5:00 until 7:00 pm in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home; 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs. A funeral service will follow immediately after at 7:00 pm with Pastor Alan Miller officiating. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Herkimer County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Calling Hours J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Saturday, March 31, 2018 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM 40 West James Street Richfield Springs, NY 13439 Funeral Service J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Saturday, March 31, 2018 07:00 PM 40 West James Street Richfield Springs, NY 13439