Michelle Paulette Ward (affectionately known as Cher) passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

March 23, 1965 Cher was born in Escambia County, Florida. She received her education in the largest school district in Massachusetts: Boston Public Schools. Throughout her life, she forged leadership skills which allowed her to hold many administrative positions in the following institutions: Putnam Investments, Fidelity Investments, Mattapan Community Development Corporation, The Law Office of Angelina Bruce - Flounory, and Whittier Street Health Center until taking medical leave in August 2022. 

In July 1992, Cher married Troy A. Stuckey; through their union they were blessed with her firstborn son Trei Anthony Stuckey on November 24, 1992. On August 30, 2003, Cher married the late Donald D. Ward; through their union they were blessed with her second born son, Desman Dillon Ward on October 12, 2004.

One of the things Michelle was known for was the way in which she was physically present. Her outfits were either perfectly color-coordinated or perfectly color-blocked. Her proportions were meticulously calculated, and her jewelry was centered. Michelle knew how to have fun of course, experimenting in glasses with different configurations. Her assortment of coats was second to none, and her nails were never the same design for more than two weeks. Michelle was not only a self-proclaimed fashionista, but also a widely recognized one! 

Cher had a lifelong desire to be an architect, but instead poured her energies into interior designing. Thus, the manifestation of her desires and energies birthed her business: Cher-Elegance: Event Planning and Party Décor. She was extremely organized at home and work. 

Cher was a generous, loving, hardworking, giving, independent and devoted mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, shopping, and of course, interior designing. She was very observant; nothing could get by her without her noticing. 

Michelle was predeceased by her beloved maternal grandmother Willie Mae Lee. 

Michelle is survived by her family: her son Trei Anthony Stuckey, her son Desman D. Ward, her nephew Gabriel Clark, her mother Edroce Clark, and her sister Anita Clark-Douglas, all who are of Boston aside from Trei who is of Atlanta. Although leaving us behind, she will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren, Trenton and Taylor Stuckey, both of Atlanta. Her bonus daughter is Natasha Ward of Florida. Her nieces are Gaynell, Tyrinthia, Tayla, and Tryphina; her nephews are Gevaughn and Thrifton. All of her nieces and nephews are of Boston.

Michelle had an unfathomable charismatic nature which led her to have an extremely large family. She touched the lives of many and became a foster mother to Ivens Pierre, John Josephs, Jessica Robinson, and Jessica Dubuison. Michelle was blessed to have additional family. This additional family consisted of the late Blondell Wigfall of Massachusetts, who gave her a solid foundation and support during her young adult years. She grew up with her Wigfall siblings: Michelle, Todd, Lisa, Debbie, and Courtney. As an adult, Michelle gained another family, the Burtons, who showered her with love and adventure: Valerie, Vivian, Vickie, and Veronica, as well as a god-mother, Velma Burton. Her god-children through the Burtons, all of whom are of Boston, are Shabori Burton, Kaylah Mark, Isaiah Osagie, and Khianna Mark. Cher has a bonus mother-in-law, Imogene Stuckey. Her devoted sister friends are the following: Marva Miller, Angelina Bruce-Flounory, Cheryl Straughter, Gail Granville, and Christine Pajarillo.

Michelle impacted and inspired all people that came across her path which nourished her own journey through her beautiful life.  She will be missed beyond words, but her lasting impact will live on with family, friends, and the villages that have been created by the aforementioned forever.

Visitation will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS on Friday, February 17th from 10-11AM. Funeral Service at 11AM. Interment at Saint Michael Cemetery.