Anneliese (Luster) Michel Obituary
Anneliese (Luster) Michel of Gloucester, wife of Phil Michel, passed away in the comfort of her home on Thursday, February 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born September 29, 1943, in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France to the late Lina "Elise" Weibel. Anneliese's early life was marked by both hardship and resilience. Her birth father, Albert Fund, a German soldier, tragically passed away in WWII when she was just an infant. When Anneliese was a toddler, her mother Elise and her aunt Jeanne married GI buddies, Elliot Luster and Edward Batten. The French war brides, along with little Anneliese—wearing her tiny wooden shoes—embarked on a long and difficult journey across the Atlantic to the United States to start a new life.
Anneliese and her mother settled in Elliot's hometown of Gloucester, MA. They were embraced by his family and the local Lebanese community where family, food, and togetherness were the heart of every gathering.
Anneliese was a 1961 graduate of St. Ann's High School where she was a cheerleader. She made life-long friendships and countless memories with her partners in adventure, Sandi, Mary Jo, and Barbie. Anneliese cherished her friends deeply—if you were her friend, you were loved and kept close for life, and she always kept you laughing.
At just 16 years old, she met the love of her life, Phil Michel, and they have been together ever since. Phil enlisted in the US Navy after he graduated high school. They were married in 1964, beginning their love story spanned more than 60 years. Their unwavering bond shaped the foundation of their family. Their home was always a place where people felt safe, welcome, and loved.
She balanced motherhood and homemaking and served as president of the Maplewood School PTO. She also worked as a housecleaner for several families on Cape Ann. When her mother became ill, Anneliese selflessly moved her into her home, providing devoted care until her mother's passing. She later extended that same love and care to her mother-in-law, who had a lengthy illness.
She returned to the workforce as a receptionist at Batten Bros., Inc. before spending the rest of her career as a medical receptionist for Dr. Neil Kobrosky, Dr. Neil Mann, and various other physicians at the Cape Ann Medical Center where she was known for her dedication and kindness and the care, she showed to everyone she interacted with. Her most fascinating role was as house manager and family cook for Macauley Culkin (of "Home Alone" fame) and his family during their time on Cape Ann filming a movie.
Anneliese is survived by her devoted husband, Phil; three children, Kristin Michel, Philip Michel Jr. and his wife Darla, Timothy Michel and his wife Lynda; five grandchildren, Kayla Grove and her husband Hayden, Megan Michel and her boyfriend Griffin Parks, Evan Leaf and his girlfriend Brianna Halner, Eva Michel, and TJ Michel; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Wesley Grove; and one sister, Nancy (Luster) Reed of Gloucester MA. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, several nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and special friend, Jeanne Smith.
She was predeceased by her parents; her in-laws, Roland and Eva (Bartlett) Michel; brothers-in-law, Phillip Reed, Robert Michel, Donald Michel, and Roland Michel, and her dear friends, Marcia Luster and Sandi (Lawler) Olson.
Anneliese always considered her home to be her sanctuary. Having her sister Nancy live just downstairs allowed her to remain in the place she loved most. Her family will forever be grateful to Nancy for her unwavering companionship and compassionate care - providing loving comfort until her last breath. Anneliese's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff at Care Dimensions for their support in her final weeks.
Visiting hours in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann's Church, Holy Family Parish 11:30 a.m. following visiting hours. The burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Anneliese was incredibly generous - always offering a helping hand to family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Together Gloucester, Inc., P.O. Box 6012, Gloucester, MA 01930, Cape Ann Veterans Services, 12 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930 or to a charity of one's choice.
