Michelle Sherry-Ann Hackett-Charles

Today, we gather to celebrate the life of Michelle Sherry-Ann Hackett-Charles — a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and woman of faith whose presence touched countless lives. While our hearts are heavy with grief, they are also filled with gratitude for the time we shared with her and the love she so freely gave.

Michelle’s story began in Princes Town, South Trinidad, where she was born and spent her early childhood. At the age of 5, she moved to Brooklyn, New York from Christiansted St. Croix, beginning a journey that would take her across countries and cities, shaping the remarkable woman she became. In her early teens, she moved to Houston, Texas, to live with her father and stepmother. In her early twenties she moved back to New York continuing to build a life marked by resilience, determination, and strength.

To know Michelle is to know a fighter. She was a warrior in every sense of the word.

No matter the obstacles placed before her, she faced them with courage and perseverance. Giving up simply was not in her nature. She met life’s challenges head-on, often carrying burdens that others never saw, yet she continued to move forward with grace and faith.

Michelle was deeply devoted to her family and her friends became family as well. She shared a loving relationship with her husband Hayden that has lasted over 30 years. She was a proud and devoted mother to her sons, Justice and Andrew. Her love for them was fierce, unwavering, and unconditional. They were among her greatest joys and the center of her heart.

She was also a cherished daughter to her mother, Barbara, a beloved sister to Kevin, Shurla, and Julia; aunt to numerous nieces and nephews and an amazing sister-in-law to the Charles, Hackett and Forde families.

Family meant everything to Michelle. She valued connection, loyalty, and togetherness, and she nurtured those bonds with great care and affection.

Professionally, Michelle worked as an accountant, bringing diligence, integrity, and intelligence to her work. Yet her generosity extended far beyond her profession. She dedicated time to volunteering at the Food Pantry in New York, helping to feed those in need and serving her community with compassion. She understood that true success is measured not only by what we achieve but by how we help others along the way.

Michelle embraced life fully and joyfully. She found peace and creativity in crocheting, losing herself in the beauty of creating something with her own hands. She loved reading and was always eager to learn, grow, and explore new ideas. She loved to travel, welcoming new experiences and adventures wherever life took her and of all the holidays Christmas was her absolute favorite.

One of her greatest joys was playing mas during Carnival, celebrating her Trinidadian heritage with pride, color, music, and energy. Through Carnival, she expressed her vibrant spirit and her love for culture, community, and celebration. Michelle was also a sports fanatic; from soccer, baseball, boxing, track and field, women’s softball, all events in the Olympics and especially American football. No matter where she lived she supported her New York teams; Knicks, Nets, Mets, Yankees, Giants and especially to the Jets, which she cheered for every single season win or lose.

Michelle was also known for something that cannot be listed on a resume or measured by accomplishments—she had a gift for loving people deeply. She loved hard. She gave freely of herself. She offered wise counsel when someone needed guidance, a listening ear when someone needed comfort, and unwavering support when someone needed strength.

Many of us can remember moments when Michelle’s advice helped us through difficult times or when her encouragement gave us hope. At the center of Michelle’s life was her faith. She loved God, and trusted Him throughout her journey. She was also in tune with her African heritage and also loved and trusted the Orisha Gods and Goddesses who also guided her through her life’s journey. Her faith was not merely something she spoke about— it was her way of life. It brought her through, sustained her through and gave her the strength to fight through the hills and valleys of life, guided her decisions, and shaped the way she cared for others. Even in difficult seasons, she held onto her belief that God is in control and will never leave nor forsake her.

As we remember Michelle today, we celebrate a life that was rich in love, faith, service, and perseverance. We remember her laughter, her wisdom, her strength, her compassion, and the countless ways she made the lives of others better simply by being part of them.

Though we mourn her absence, we also rejoice in the legacy she leaves behind— a legacy carried forward by her husband, her sons, her family, her friends, and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness and love. Michelle taught us what it means to be strong without becoming hardened, to love without holding back, and to trust God through every season of life. Her example remains with us.

Today, we say goodbye not to a memory, but to a remarkable woman whose influence will continue to live on in our hearts. We thank God for the gift of Michelle’s life. We honor her journey, cherish her memory, and find comfort in knowing that the love she shared with us can never be taken away.

Rest peacefully, Michelle. Your work is done, your race is finished, and your faith has carried you home. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.