Michelle Lynn Terwilliger

Michelle Lynn Terwilliger, age 55, passed away on September 21, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. A loving wife, daughter, sister, cherished family member, and devoted educator, Shelly’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to others and her joyful spirit.

Born on January 12, 1970, in Garfield Heights, Ohio, Shelly was the daughter of Coralise I. Terwilliger and the late John M. Terwilliger. She grew up in a close-knit family and carried that sense of connection throughout her life. Shelly held her family close to her heart, especially her mother, Coralise, and her sister, Coralise M., with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond. She was a devoted daughter and sister whose love, loyalty, and warmth enriched their lives in countless ways.

Shelly graduated from Trinity High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Cleveland State University, —laying the foundation for a lifelong career in teaching.

Shelly dedicated over 25 years to shaping young minds as an educator. She began her teaching journey at Ascension School in Cleveland before finding her long-term home at St. Stanislaus School, where she taught for 19 years. Her fifth-grade students held a special place in her heart, and she approached each day with enthusiasm and care. Her classroom was a place of learning, laughter, and love—a reflection of the woman who led it.

In 2010, Shelly married William Swincicki. Their marriage was filled with shared passions and adventures. Together, they enjoyed road trips across Ohio and Michigan, cheered on their favorite NASCAR drivers, and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. As a stepmother to Alyssa, Ethan, and Jacob Swincicki, Shelly embraced her role with warmth and kindness.

Shelly’s Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout her life. It shaped her values and gave her strength during both joyful moments and times of sorrow. Her deep spirituality was evident in the way she treated others—with compassion, patience, and grace.

Beyond the classroom and family life, Shelly had many interests that brought her happiness. She was an avid reader who loved getting lost in books; she found peace working in her garden; and she had a deep affection for animals of all kinds, —especially her cats. Her laughter was infectious, always present at family gatherings or during quiet moments with friends.

Shelly also had a unique claim to fame: she appeared as one of the flying monkeys in the beloved film A Christmas Story, which was filmed in Cleveland. She was the flying monkey who attacked Mickey Mouse—a fun memory that delighted those who knew her.

She is lovingly remembered by her mother, Coralise I. Terwilliger; sister, Coralise M. Terwilliger; brother-in-law, Michael Seman; stepchildren, Alyssa, Ethan, and Jacob Swincicki; godchildren, Bellamy Hawthorne and Darien Tillett; aunts and uncles, Alicia and Sam Pingatore, Brenda and John Hintz, Rick Ljubi and the late Cyndi Ljubi, Ernest W. and Lisa Morales; cousins, Joshua Pingatore, Scott Jamroz, Derrick Jamroz, Cynthia Jamroz, Bellamy Hawthorne, Benjamin Ljubi, Blaise Morales, Ariana Schroeder, James Terwilliger, Cathi Timmerwilke, Charles Terwilliger, Tricia Beam, Amy Goyda, and Marc Terwilliger; as well as many extended family members who will miss her dearly.

She now joins in eternal rest her beloved husband, William Swincicki; father, John M. Terwilliger; grandparents, Ernesto H. and Doris R. Morales and James and Bernice Terwilliger; as well as aunts and uncles, James and Patricia Terwilliger, Stanley Jamroz, and Cyndi Ljubi.

May Michelle “Shelly” Terwilliger’s memory be a blessing to all who knew her—and may the joy she brought into this world continue to shine through those whose lives she touched.

Family and friends are welcome Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 2:00 PM-6:00 PM at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center, 3556 W.130th St., Cleveland, Ohio 44111

A Mass of Christian Burial to honor Shelly’s life of faith and service will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Stanislaus Church 3649 E.65th St., Cleveland, Ohio 44105. Everyone is asked to PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH.

Private internment

Arrangements By Bican Bros. Funeral Home