Michele Biro Deitch, 50; “an incredibly special person who always gave so much more than she received.”
Obituary
Michele Suzanne "Mich" (Biro) Age 50, of Westport, CT passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 8, 2021 after a long battle with breast cancer. Michele was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn in 1970 to the late Laszlo Biro and Dolores (Macchiaroli) Biro, currently residing in Sarasota, FL. Michele is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, David Deitch, formerly from Rye Brook, NY, and her adoring boys Joshua (16) and Jonathan (13), along with her constant companion, Vinci, the family's endearing Goldendoodle. She is also survived by her older brother Dr. David Biro (and wife Daniella Vitale) and sisters Lisa Biro Finn (and husband Michael Finn) and Debbie Biro Guarna (and husband Anthony Guarna), along with sisters-in-law Donna Rempell (and husband David Rempell) and Deborah Mansi (and husband Bob Mansi). Michele also leaves behind her adored nieces and nephews Emma and Kaila Finn, Benjamin and Xander Guarna, Daniel and Luca Biro, and Dr. Joshua and Ben Rempell.
Michele was a graduate of Music and Arts in Manhattan (now known as LaGuardia HS) where she studied flute and became an accomplished classical performer. Michele went on to graduate from University of Wisconsin with a degree in Philosophy and completed her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Columbia University before setting up successful OT practices in Manhattan and Westport, CT. She was an expert in working with younger children, developing customized programs to support their unique needs and assist them in overcoming life's obstacles. Michele's empathy, creativity, and incredible competence changed the lives of countless children.
Michele cherished the carefree times growing up at the family's summer home in Seaview on Fire Island, where the only modes of transportation were passenger ferries and old, rusty wagons. Michele and David recreated that magical setting with their own idyllic escape on Chebeague Island off the coast of Portland, Maine with a small bungalow that the family enjoyed among great friends in nature's beautiful garden.
To think of Michele is to think of her intensely caring and empathetic nature, always willing to do anything to support everyone from her closest friends to the receptionist she met one time at her doctor's office. She also loved to travel and explore, whether to distant foreign destinations, across the United States, or in little nooks close to home in Connecticut. Michele was filled with the wonders of nature and the simple joys of being surrounded by people she loved. Everyone who got to know Michele knew she was an incredibly special person who always gave so much more than she received. Michele will live on through us all in the countless memories that we hold so dear.
Services to celebrate and remember Michele's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Temple Israel on 14 Coleytown Road in Westport, CT. The family will receive friends
after the services for a light reception at the temple. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Michele's exceptional medical team at The Wittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital, including a second-to-none support staff and her primary in home care aide, Yolette Jean Francois. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions in honor of Michele to National Public Radio (NPR) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). You can also plant a tree(s) in Israel in Michele's memory at https://www.nationaljewishmemorialwall.com/plant-a-tree. Condolences and your memories of Michele are welcomed and encouraged to be sent to the family at https://memories.net/timeline/michele-birodeitch-44864.