Michele Yourell Collings, aged 79, passed away on June 25, 2025, in Chicago. She was the beloved wife of Larry Collings and the loving mother of Lisa Collings (Will Cleaveland), Darin (Tracy) Collings, and Jenny McLane (Ty Sanders). Michele was a proud Mimi to Lili and Pierce Cleaveland, Megan, and Jake Collings. She was also a cherished sister of Jeff and Peter Yourell, and the daughter of the late Harry “Bus” and Millie Yourell.
Michele’s education included attending Mother McAuley High School and graduating as Valedictorian with a degree in Nursing from Moraine Valley Community College in 1977. Later, she completed a B.S. in Applied Science at Governors State University. She dedicated herself to the healthcare profession, working as a cardiac intensive care and surgery nurse at Christ Hospital.
She also served as Oak Lawn Village Trustee (District 3) from 1983 to 1990 and was actively involved in local, state, and federal elections. Michele was known for her advocacy for justice and women’s rights throughout her life.
In her leisure time, Michele enjoyed collecting and reselling antiques. She held a special love for Christmas, with traditions like visiting the Walnut Room at Marshall Fields and attending “A Christmas Carol” with her family.
In memory of her passion for animals, donations can be made to Wright-Way Rescue in place of flowers.
A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a service at 4:00 p.m. at Curley Funeral Home in Chicago Ridge. Private interment will occur at a later date. For more details on the funeral arrangements, please contact (708) 422-2700 or visit www.curleyfuneralhome.com.
To honor Michele’s memory with flowers, please visit our floral store.
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