Michael James Withey, age 69, passed away peacefully at Trillium Woods Faith Hospice on November 23, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents Leroy B. Withey, Sr. and Mary Ann Withey, and brother-in-law Captain Richard Morrissey, USMC.
After graduating from Ottawa Hills High School, Michael earned a degree from Kendall College of Art and Design. He was an avid artist, photographer, and collector of antiques. Michael committed 42 years to St. Mary’s/Trinity Health where he had built a community of friends who supported and loved him. He was best known in the workplace for his humor, his faith, and his compassion for patients.
Michael enjoyed watching and discussing sports with family and friends, especially Notre Dame Football, the Detroit Tigers, and the Chicago Bears. He was a familiar figure in his neighborhood and considered those he crossed paths with to be friends. You could always count on Michael to greet you with his fingers held up in a peace sign.
Although his life was filled with challenges, Michael had been hopeful about the way the world seemed to becoming a more welcoming and humanizing place for those with differences.
Michael is survived by his siblings Josephine Morrissey of Charlottesville, VA, Mary Ann (Fred) Challa of Rockford, MI, Leroy (Virginia) Withey of Grand Rapids, MI, Christine (Thomas) Dennison of Vermontville, MI, and Katie (Gary) Kuklewski, of Comstock Park, MI; godchildren Leanne Challa, Ryan Withey, and Corey Dennison; and many other loving nieces and nephews.
He was an active member of his church, with a willingness to serve. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 1935 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 on Saturday, December 14 at 11:00 am. Friends may meet with the family at church from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Rev. Troy Nevins presiding. In lieu of flowers, Michael has asked that donations be made to the Kilgoar Education Fund at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
7 Responses
I so loved working with Michael! Caring, compassionate and always excellent at any job or task he was working on! He will be missed by many!!!
I loved him so much. Gentle soul, faithful friend, long time coworker. Always a friendly face and always a kind word. I know my Mother In Law Karen Traxler adored him also and was waiting with his mom to welcome him through Heaven’s gates. Comforting thoughts to all who knew him!
I had a chance to work with Michael at a funeral luncheon once. When I introduced myself he told me his name. He said I say it every time I pray the Hail Mary: the Lord is with thee. It made me smile and I never forgot his name, I also think of him every time I pray it. God bless you all as you celebrate his life 🙏
Michael has always held a special place in my heart. I loved working with him and enjoyed all of his quirkiness and humor. He was the best advocate for his patients and am even better friend. He deeply cared for us all. One time he told me that when he was done working for the day, he would punch out then sit in the front lobby and help patients and visitors find their way around. Truly a friend to all he met! You will be missed here on earth, Micheal! Peace ✌🏼
I worked alongside with Michael for many years at Saints! He absolutely loved advocating for patients and making sure they were safe. Michael was an amazing person and an amazing artist. His sense of humor was golden! May he rest in peace knowing he made a big impact in his 40+ years at Trinity Health. Rest in paradise, friend!
Through the years, I would often hear my husband ,who was a physician at St. Mary’s, speak of Michael with fondness. When he would see Michael at Mass at our IHM parish, he would wait for him afterwards to speak to him and shake his hand. He would tell me what an asset Michael was to the hospital and how his kindness and work ethic made all who knew him feel loved.
My husband who was a physician at St. Mary’ Hospital during the years that Michael worked there always spoke with fondness of him. He always admired his work ethic and kind spirit. When he would see Michael at our IHM parish Masses, he would always wait to speak with him afterwards and inquire about his life May Michael and my husband, Bill, now know complete joy together in seeing Christ face to face.
Michael embodied the love and compassion that was St Mary’s hospital. I worked with him in the 1980s and 1990s. He was unfailingly kind to patients, coworkers, and visitors. I always knew my patients were doing well under his watchful eyes when we had a shift together. Thinking of his family and friends now. Prayers for peace and comfort are with you as you mourn this loss.