Michelle Danielle Wasinger

Michelle Danielle Wasinger

January 8, 1949 – November 3, 2023

Michelle Wasinger was born Michelle Danielle Crosby in Vallejo, CA on January 8, 1949.  Her father was an American soldier that met her mother, a French citizen, in WWII while stationed in France.  Michelle grew up in California in a bilingual home with her older sister, Claudine. Ten years later brother, Rene and youngest sister, Martine were born.  When Michelle was 15 years old, her family was stationed in Paris with the US Army. After living in France for a couple years the family was given orders to Frankfurt, Germany where Michelle graduated from high school.  It was in Frankfurt where Michelle met US Army soldier, Frank Wasinger, Jr, in 1968 and moved to Omaha, NE.

Michelle was a stay-at-home mother to her three daughters, Nicole, Suzanne, and Jennifer, until her divorce in 1988. She started working for Omaha Public Schools as a special education para professional. She retired in 2015 after 25 years in the school system. Post retirement she spent most of her days helping care for her grandchildren, spending time in her home, and caring for feral cats.

Michelle was an incredibly kind woman who had a strong faith in God. Her study and knowledge of the Bible was a passion to her. Her connection to the Lord was always something that gave her family comfort and peace.  She loved to talk about the Gospels and share the love God has for all people.

Michelle’s love of animals was strong and an inspiration to many. She met many people in the community who also shared her strong love of feral cats. She was a supporter of rescue organizations and gave what she could with her time and money to make sure these animals had a good life.  Throughout her lifetime she opened her home to many cats providing them all with a warm and loving home.  She spent her mornings feeding the birds and squirrels. She also had a special relationship with all the animals in the lives of her daughters’ families.

Michelle’s friends and family describe her as being compassionate, faithful, generous, loving, caring, funny and one of the nicest and kindest people they ever knew.  Even after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Michelle could be heard praying for others that were also sick and suffering, for all her children, their spouses, and her beloved grandchildren.

Michelle was preceded in death by her sister, Claudine Crosby; and her parents, Edward & Genevieve Crosby.  She is survived by her children: Nicole (Greg) Caskey, Suzanne (Richard) Wessling, Jennifer (Antonio) Pargas; grandchildren: Ava, Noah, Vivian, Genevieve and Veronica; her siblings, Rene (Francoise) Crosby and Martine (Philippe) Gaillien, and their children.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Feline Friendz in Nebraska, a local cat rescue and adoption organization https://www.felinefriendz.org

VISITATION: Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10-11 a.m. at the West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd., followed by a MEMORIAL SERVICE: at 11 a.m. INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.