Michelle Anne Wyeno

Michelle Anne Wyeno, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and teacher took her place beside Our Wonderful Maker in heaven on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Michelle, age 55, was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer a year ago; nonetheless, she spent her time living courageously and abundantly, amongst family and friends. She was a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Michelle was born November 11, 1959 in Powell, Wyoming to Birney and Janita (Pzinski) Cox; and raised with her two brothers Steven and Clayton Cox in Grand Junction, Colorado.

She was passionate about teaching and went on to attend the University of Northern Colorado, where she received her B.A. in Elementary Education and M.A in Special Education – Deaf and Hard of Hearing. While teaching in Littleton Public School District, Michelle continued graduate studies in Special Education at the University of Colorado Denver.

While attending UNC, Michelle was fortunate to forge many life-long friendships. She also met her soul mate and the love of her life, Curtis Wyeno; they were married in 1983. After the birth of their children, they moved to Colorado Springs to raise their family.

Michelle was very active in her community – volunteering at her children’s schools, serving as President of the PTO at Foothills Elementary and Co-President of Parent Council of Air Academy High School. She was often found supporting her daughters at dance competitions and her son at lacrosse games and tennis matches. She was lovingly known as “Mommy Wyeno”.

Family time always remained a priority for Michelle – she enjoyed spending summer vacations at the lake and winter weekends in the mountains. She played in several tennis leagues at Foothills Swim and Racquet Club and Colorado Springs Country Club, where she not only learned to love the game of tennis, but also established numerous rich friendships. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, crafting, and sewing.

In 2010, Michelle returned to teaching in Academy School District 20. She found her calling and a wonderful school when she became the SSN teacher at Woodmen Roberts Elementary. For the past four years, Michelle poured her heart and soul into the program, twice being honored as Teacher of the Year. With the support of her fellow teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators, her students flourished in every manner. She truly believed in creating opportunity for her students and found joy in celebrating their accomplishments every day.

She is survived by her husband Curtis, daughters Brittany and Abby; son Jase; parents Birney and Janita Cox; brothers Steven Cox (Lalene) and Clayton Cox; and many other wonderful loved ones.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 1 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. Arrangements by Swan-Law Funeral Directors. Memorial Donations may be made to the University of Northern Colorado Foundation for the benefit of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute Quasi-Endowment (0950); checks should be made payable to the UNC Foundation, 1620 Reservoir Rd, Greeley, CO 80631. Or, to the Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association; checks should be made payable CSDSA, PO Box 2364, Colorado Springs, CO 80901.