Michele N. Metzler, 43, of Lititz, was welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, June 23, 2017, at M.S. Hershey Medical Center.

She was born in Little Rock, AK, to Harold and Sumika (Tanaka) Irwin of Lititz and was the wife of Shaun M. Metzler, with whom she would have celebrated 17 years of marriage this September.

She was baptized at and an active member of Grace Church, Ephrata where she enjoyed helping out in the nursery, hosting the children’s backyard bible club and spending time with her church family. She graduated from Warwick High School, Class of 1991, and from the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center in 1996, where she earned a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing, and she received her nursing home administrator certification from York College. She enjoyed the beach, their family cabin in the mountains, four wheeling, playing the card game Rook, family sporting events including her son Seth’s Warwick Little League baseball, dance recitals, and spending time with her family. Michele was an active volunteer at the Lititz Academy of Dance, where her daughter Morgan has danced the past 9 years.

Her nursing career began at Brethren Village and United Zion before she joined LutherCare where she worked for the past 11 years. Her time at LutherCare started at Luther Acres Manor, and then she transitioned into the role of Executive Director at Spang Crest in Lebanon, PA. In 2016, Michele returned to Luther Acres Manor as nursing home administrator. During her time with LutherCare she served as the Director of QA and Compliance for about 2 years. Michele was a Certified Aging Service Professional (CASP) as well as a recent graduate of Leadership Lancaster in May of 2017.

In addition to her parents and husband, Michele is survived by a son, Seth, age 7, and a daughter, Morgan, age 14, both at home, 2 brothers, Ed, husband of Lynn Irwin of Berryville, VA, and Harold Irwin, Jr. of California, and a half-brother, Douglas Irwin.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the Grace Family Church, 415 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2017, from 9 to 10 am at the church. Celebration of life will follow at 10 am, with Pastor Kim G. Robertson officiating. A brief viewing will follow, prior to departure to the Memory Gardens Memorial Cemetery. Interment will be private for family and invited guests.
Michele was best known for her beautiful smile, outgoing personality, love of family, detailed organizational skills, and her uncanny ability to be prepared for any situation that may arise.

If desired, the family would appreciate memorial contributions in Michele's memory to be made to the building fund at Grace Church, 62 Hahnstown Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.