Born on April 27, 1973, in Saranac Lake, she was the daughter of Marianne and Heinz Speckmann.

She attended Lake Placid High School, College of Saint Rose and University of North Carolina Greensboro, where she completed her master’s degree. Michelle was a special education teacher and just completed her 25th year of teaching. She worked most recently at Simon G. Atkins Academic & Technology High School.

Michelle was always there for the kids. She believed every child had potential to succeed in their own way! She influenced so many children over the years in the classroom and out of the classroom. She was rewarded many times and most recently was invited to one of her student’s graduation.

Michelle loved her kitties, Max and Leo. They meant the world to her and now they will be loved by their Oma.

Michelle is survived by her mother Marianne Meister; sister Diane (Ron) Brenner; nephew Evan Brenner; brother Edmund Meister Jr.; brother Peter (Karen) Meister; nephew Andrew Meister; several relatives in Germany; and many, many friends in New York and North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to your local animal shelter.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 8 at M.B. Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday July 9 at the funeral home, and burial will follow at the North Elba Cemetery on Old Military Road.

Visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a story, upload a photograph or leave condolences for the family to cherish.