Michelle has a gift for making people smile and plenty of stories to share. 

“I’m from Brooklyn. Of course I love to talk!” she said. 

Michelle spent 40 years in Brooklyn, New York, where she shared her life with her husband, Allan. They knew each other for 30 years and were married for 20 before he passed away eight years ago. She still misses him deeply, along with the familiar dinners he prepared for them. “He was the cook of the house,” she said. 

After Allan passed away, Michelle began receiving deliveries from Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program. The meals brought comfort and dependability during a difficult transition and continue to be an important part of her life today. As Michelle puts it, “Who says no to delicious food?” 

Michelle moved to Maine more than 20 years ago, bringing with her a lifetime of experience caring for children. She taught preschool for 36 years and also spent 10 years working with children with disabilities in their homes, giving parents time to recharge while helping their children learn their letters, sing, and play. “They say 20 kids is too much. I say, give me 100! I love them!” she said. Michelle estimates that she taught 720 children throughout her career. “They’re out in the world now, adults with their own children.” 

An artist as well as a teacher, Michelle proudly says she can draw anything you ask. She spent decades bringing energy, creativity, and care to children and their families. Today, she sees Meals on Wheels as some of that care coming back to her. “I worked hard all my life,” she said. “Meals on Wheels is giving back to me.” 

Now 66, Michelle lives in Portland with her sweet cat, Charley-girl. She has a disability that affects one of her legs and her balance, and she uses a cane. Getting out to shop for groceries can be chAllanging, and preparing a meal is not always possible. Meals on Wheels helps her continue living independently by ensuring she has nutritious food close at hand. “The meals bring me a feeling of stability because I know I’m going to get them,” she said. “I always know there’s a meal waiting for me.” 

Each delivery includes five prepared meals, along with milk and other accompaniments. Michelle appreciates the variety of proteins, meats, vegetables, and fruits she receives, as well as the attention given to her preferences. “Southern Maine Agency on Aging is very attentive,” she said. “They ask, ‘What foods do you like and dislike?’” Having prepared meals nearby is especially valuable on days when she does not feel well enough to cook. “You can have a meal ready in six or seven minutes,” she said. “And voilà, it’s there!” 

The meals are only part of what Michelle looks forward to on delivery day. She also enjoys seeing her volunteer driver, John, who keeps track of the foods she likes so she can continue receiving meals she enjoys. The two talk whenever he visits, and Michelle always wishes him a good day before he leaves. Although she has a supportive group of friends in her building and Charley-girl keeps her company, John’s visits are still a bright spot in her routine. “I look forward to every delivery,” she said. “The volunteers are 100% trustworthy, and they show you they really care.” 

Michelle understands what that dependable support can mean for other older adults, especially those balancing the cost of food with medications and other basic needs. Meals on Wheels can make nutritious food one less thing to worry about. “Whether you’re 60 or 80, you need to eat,” she said. “Southern Maine Agency on Aging is all about keeping people healthy and well.” 

After a career spent brightening the lives of hundreds of children and supporting their families, Michelle remains every bit the warm, spirited teacher she has always been. She is grateful for the food, the friendship, and the reassurance that Meals on Wheels provides. 

“The people in Maine are beautiful. They are very kind,” she said. “I want to thank all of the chefs at Birch Stream Farms who put the meals together. Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Meals on Wheels is a wonderful program that is truly helping people.”