Michele G. Doctor
January 27, 1954 - November 29, 2024
Michele G. Doctor
January 27, 1954- November 29, 2024
On November 29, 2024, the world lost the kindest, gentlest, and most incredible soul; Michele Georgia
Doctor passed away, surrounded by her beloved children and grandchildren, following a year-long battle
with pancreatic cancer. For the last year, Michele endured great pain and hardship in the face of a disease
that allowed her no respite at each and every turn. She did so with a grace that most of us will never be
able to comprehend, let alone replicate, and never allowed discomfort or dim prospects to infringe upon her love and support for those she cared about.
John Wooden said, “The most important thing in the world is family and love.” Though they may be
Wooden’s words, this was Michele’s unspoken ethos. She worked for 30-plus years at the Butler Sewer
Authority, from which she retired 6 years ago, in order to support three children in any capacity she
possibly could. Even until her passing, there was no holiday that would pass without Michele bestowing gifts upon those around her, while asking for none in return.
Michele was the proud mother of three children with her husband and she was well-cared for by those
three children until such time of her passing. Though her disposition most commonly tended toward
benign, Michele was a lioness when her children were threatened; she would abide no one’s disrespect of
her greatest joys, and no son or daughter could have ever asked to be born to a more incredible mother.
Her pride in motherhood was second only to the absolute joy she felt at being a grandmother to Norah and
Davis Green, who she loved with every fiber of her being. In spite of the pain and discomfort of her
condition, Michele was proud to start every morning admiring whatever outfit that her Norah had chosen
to wear to school that day. She also adored the rambunctious energy of her grandson, Davis, and wished
that she could capture some of that in a bottle for an ingenious get-rich-quick scheme.
Michele was preceded in death by her parents, John and Velma Pataky. Michele would also want it noted
that she was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Mary Pataky, who she loved dearly.
She is survived in her immediate family by her husband Lewis L Doctor, three children, Aaron Doctor,
Ryan (Lauren) Doctor, Emily (Jonathan) Green, and two grandchildren, Norah and Davis Green. She is
also survived by her brother, David Pataky, and her sisters Barb (Ron) Campau, Mary Jo (David)
Milheim, Linda Rough, and Jeannie (Lowell) Jackson, as well as a large number of nieces and nephews who adored her.
Sara Josepha Hale was quoted as saying, “There is no influence so powerful as that of the mother.”
Through the success of her children, the love that she carried with her daily, and through the keenness of her absence now, Michele has proven that correct.
There will be no public funeral service or viewing. However, any wishing to pay respects to Michele
Doctor or her family are invited to attend a celebration of life on January 25, 2024, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Root Cellar at Grows-On-Main in Butler, PA.
I have so many memories playing and attending St. Peter’s together. Mikey was so tall and I was so short. I remember having a funeral for Hamie, the hamster. Rest in peace. I will never forget our childhood.
Our condolences to all of the Doctor family. We have pleasant memories of Michelle in our neighborhood when Brian played with Aaron and Ryan.
I miss you, Mikie. My sister, my friend. Rest well. Love you.
Berb, the Class of 1961 extends its sympathy for the loss of your sister, Michele.
Although I never knew Mike as an adult, I’ll always remember her fun loving spirit at St. Peter’s School. Especially the fun and mischief Mike, Jeanne, Sue and I would find walking to Junior High together. Her passing is way too soon, but I’m sure she is at peace now. Such a beautiful tribute.
Michelle was an incredibly warm woman; a neighborhood mother to those of us that needed it, whether we knew it or not, and held a luminous and endearing capacity for generosity and empathy for those who needed and deserved it. She was the type of stand up, courageous woman and ally that we should all aspire to be and I will miss her dearly and always hold a place for her in my heart. Those of us who knew her, are better people for it. Sending loving thoughts and good vibes to all of the family.
Mikie was my very first friend as well as a sister. I will miss her laugh the most. The thought of it brings a smile to my heart and my face. Rest in peace and love.
Such a heartfelt tribute to a wonderful woman. She is already greatly missed. Peace to you,Aunt Mikey.
There is no greater gift than love. Michele shared hers with abundance. She lives on in our hearts and our memories