Claudine Helene Michel Of East Hampton Dies

Claudine Hélène Michel of East Hampton died on her 70th birthday, January 28, 2020.

Born in 1950, in Bierges, Belgium, she was the daughter of Julie Lambeau and Jean Devos. In 1974, after earning a master’s degree in cultural anthropology from the Université Catholique de Louvain and marrying Zachée Michel II, she emigrated to his hometown of Westbury to start a family together, and has remained a Long Island resident ever since.

Ms. Michel was quiet and reserved but had a keen intellect and a commitment to community service. She was a talented sketch artist, who would often draw portraits for friends and family, or render beautiful East End landscapes as a hobby. While religiously and politically resolute, she was a kind and gentle soul, who would listen intently without judgment, and would offer empathy and understanding rather than criticism and censure. More than anything, however, survivors said she was a loving mother and grandmother. Her lessons and personal example of kindness, respect, and good manners will surely carry forward through her children and grandchildren.

Ms. Michel is survived by her mother, Julie Lambeau of Wavre, Belgium; three daughters, Mylène Michel-Guerra of Manorville, Vasthi Michel of Bridgehampton, and Shéba Michel of Brooklyn; and four sons, Zachée Michel III of Riverhead, Melchi Michel of New Jersey, Zérach Michel of Southampton, and Isch Michel of Riverhead; and 13 grandchildren, Fredis J. Guerra, Nikael Gebhardt, Zayden Michel, Mikhail Feaster, Elijah Guerra, Jai Feaster, Amiel Michel, Shamir Michel, Brian Michel, Moshe Guerra, Isch Michel II, Zebulon Michel and Zachee Michel IV. She was predeceased by two daughters, Yvane Michel and Misha Michel; and her husband, Zachée Michel II.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.