Michelle Anne Caffarello, age 43, of Tinley Park, IL, passed away on ­­August 15, 2018 at JourneyCare Hospice in Glenview, IL after fighting cancer with incredible strength for two and a half years. She was born on October 17, 1974 in Winfield, IL, the daughter of Robert and Libia Marie nee Cuva Caffarello. She received her Bachelor's degree from Bradley University in 1998. Michelle was an avid animal lover and believed in giving abandoned animals a home. She adopted Belle, an adult cat, and cared for her for 17 years, "because everybody will adopt kittens but adult cats have a harder time finding a home." Michelle enjoyed jewelry making, photography, going to summer food festivals, science fiction movies and independent films featuring stories of love conquering all. She found comfort walking in nature, especially seeing the swans at Lake Katherine in Palos Heights, IL as well as cooking recipes she learned from watching her mom cook when she was a child. She is survived by her father Robert Caffarello of Oswego IL, her loving partner Kevin Plienis of Tinley Park IL, Kevin's parents, Jerry and Kathy Plienis of Evergreen Park IL, siblings, Danielle (Andy) Boros of Kenilworth IL, Brian (Frits van der Schaaf) Caffarello of Birmingham MI, Craig (Sarah) Caffarello of Oswego IL, Erick Caffarello of Valparaiso IN, nephews, Andrew Boros, Connor Caffarello, and niece Julia Boros. She is preceded in death by her mother Libia Marie Caffarello. Memorials may be directed to People's Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) of Tinley Park (www.pawstinleypark.org/donate). A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2018 from 12 noon until a memorial service at 2:00pm at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543. For information: 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com