Tony (and your whole family),
I was thinking of you today and did a Google search to find out this terrible news.
I remember, when we worked at Participate, the story you told me about how you met Michele and I could see how absolutely in love you were with her and how you just beamed when you talked about her. The way you described her sounded almost unreal. She was very charismatic, outgoing, brilliant, independent, friendly...the list went on and on.
I am so sorry that such a beautiful soul left you and your family at such a young age.
Bernadette (Wnek) Neal

I met Michele through our mutual friend Teri Minc. All of our kids attended Fred’s Camp together where they became friends. Michele was warm, kind, generous, fun, outgoing and so full of life and full of love. For several years every summer and fall we would text about camps for the kids, carpools and try to squeeze in a lunch or a workout together. I miss her and I feel so lucky to have known her.

I remember first meeting Michele back when the boys were in kindergarten together. Her beautiful smile, enthusiastic laughter and bright personality could not be missed. I instantly gravitated towards this “hot mom.” It was throughout that year that we created our Alcott moms group. Many times during the year our group would get together for fun dinners at great restaurants. Michele would always have a story or two that would leave us all in tears of laughter. She had a gift for great storytelling and a life that was filled with amazing stories.

Throughout the years our friendship grew. While I am not such a sports enthusiast, she loved teasing me that I didn’t know who was playing and that I didn’t own a single jersey. She was right. I never met anyone that could go to two major sporting events in one day. I’d ask her, who has that kind of energy? She did.

Everything about Michele embodied her zest for life. She made the most out of every day and never missed a beat.
Michele made an impact on all that knew and loved her. I know her spirit will live on in each one of us.

Blake, Britton, and Shae, your mom was one of a kind. She touched so many and will be missed beyond measure.

Sincerely,
Erin (Michael, Chloe and Reid)

Michele was one of my best friends in our college days at UW-Madison. She was the mutual connection of how I met my husband of almost 25yrs because yes she knew everyone! Michele had a way of making people feel comfortable and like you’ve known her forever. We had a lot of fun times at Badger games, on State Street, or just hanging out at the Union. Michele was larger than life and the strongest person I knew. Deepest sympathies and many prayers to her family.

I met Michele in my mid 20’s at my first sales gig at LCI. Michele was my cube mate and definitely made my hours at work, much fun! We became very good friends both at work and outside. Michele definitely kept me on my toes, and I remember thinking.. If only I could bottle her energy!!! One of my favorite weekends in my life, was spent with her. We went to NYC to see the last world series of the century! We saw the New York Yankees sweep the Braves in game 3 and 4 and I don’t think we stopped laughing for more than 5 minutes over the entire weekend. That weekend is burned into my memory forever ❤️ While our lives diverged a bit, our paths always crossed here and there through mutual friends and family. I actually have worked for and with Michele’s sister Rhonda for the past 4.5 years, and have loved getting to know Rhonda. There were so many times Rhonda would do or say something, and I would think I was with Michele :) I am so fortunate I’ve been able to be part of both sisters lives. I am so happy they had each other as they are both amazing human beings. I have posted a picture of a day when I ran into Michele at Old Town Art Fair after not seeing her for a few years. And just like Tony wrote, Michele stopped and took the time to talk with me. Really talk, not just a quick hello. She introduced me to her baby daughter, Shea, who was just the cutest thing ever. Michele was beaming with beauty over being a new mommy. Michele was a bright light. I’m so incredibly sad she was taken from this world so soon. My deepest condolences to her family and all that loved her.

I have so many wonderful memories of living across the street from Michele. From block parties, cookie exchanges or just catching up in the front yard. She was more than a neighbor she was a friend.

Michele was so energetic and full of life. Someone you just wanted to be around.

Having a son and twin girls a few years older than Shea, Britton and Blake -We use to say it must be something in the water because four houses on the block had twins.

Michele loved the Cubs, Bears and Badgers. She was so excited to be invited to the playoff game that the Cubs won to go to the World Series as Errol tried to leave early because he was a White Sox fan!

We would wait in anticipation of what she had planned for Halloween.

I remember Alexis and I visiting your house in Michigan and I could understand how it was her happy place. 

She was one of the first I told when Aaron got into Wisconsin because I knew she would be excited to have another Badger on the block.

She will be missed in the neighborhood but her spirit will live on.

Love, Errol, Kathy, Aaron, Sally and Alexis

A note for Tony, Shea, Britten, Blake: to a lady whose light lit any room she was in, to a lady whose joy in living was contagious, to a lady who cared and
let you know it, to a lady--your wife, your Mom: quite a Lady!!

Dear Helene,
I am so deeply saddened for your loss. I just found out reading the Obits and was just stunned to see this. You spoke of Michele a lot at work and because we shared same name you couldn't be more proud of her. May you and your family be blessed, thinking of you.. Shelly (Michelle M Glower) Sarasota FL.

Shea, Britton and Blake - I so wish I had the chance to get to know your mom better, especially from reading the beautiful tributes to her. Our daughters were on the same travel softball team. My daughter, Emery, made a connection with Shea and when I met your mom, I instantly liked her. I remember one softball game in particular we sat next to one another. Your mom was completely prepared - she had chairs, jackets, blankets, a cooler, snacks, etc. She definitely knew what she was doing! I, on the other hand, had just a chair to sit on and realized very quickly that I was going to freeze when the sun went down. I had such a great time getting to know your mom that evening. By the end of the game, I was wrapped in one of your blankets, sharing your drinks and food and felt like I had known your mom for years. I’ve watched dozens (probably hundreds) of softball and baseball games over the years, but I remember this one especially well. Your mom got sick shortly after this game, and unfortunately we saw each other only a few times thereafter. I’m so sorry we didn’t get a chance to know each other better, but just in the very short time I knew her, it was clear to me that she was a wonderful mother, person and friend.

Tony, your tribute to Michelle is incredibly touching. We are so sorry for your loss, and we extend our deepest sympathies to you, the kids and your and Michelle’s extended families.

Much love,

The Sill family

Michele will always be remembered as the one who lit up any event. Her contagious smile, zest for life and ability to make any gathering even more special just by her presence. I can't get out of my head the last time we chatted. Sitting on your living room floor hugging, me in my coat about to leave and us crying together about life's situations. She was so strong and beautiful always and concerned for her family but in that moment she was only thinking about Tony and the kids. Sending so much love and wishing whatever could alleviate some of the loss. Love you all.

I met Michele during college and she made my years at Madison so much fun. She made everyone feel welcomed and I have so many great memories of her during college; from football games, State Street, trips to Chicago, and even long study sessions in the library. She truly embraced college life and made our time at Madison all that more exciting. She will be deeply missed and my heart breaks over this news. Love and prayers to her family - Suzy Schade Wilkes

I moved to Chicago at the beginning of the summer 2000. I remember meeting Michele that summer and seeing her out at various parties and events. She was always the life of the party- friendly, kind and welcoming. Over the years our lives took different paths - she devoted to her family and work. But whenever I would run into her, she was as friendly as if we'd seen each other last week. I even ran into her a couple times at my doctor's office. When I told the doctor, they of course raved about what a great person she was. I am so sorry. She was taken way too soon. The world has truly lost a bright light. I consider myself lucky to have stood in it's shine for a little bit. Prayers and love to her family.

Michele had an energy and enthusiasm for life that was infectious and a bubbly personality that invigorated everyone around her. I knew her from the mid 1990’s as she was a pharmaceutical representative for my dermatology residency and was so happy to see her again many years later when she covered my practice. She would always put a smile on my face with her fun visits. My husband and I who practice together really enjoyed attending a party with her during a summer dermatology meeting on a rooftop of a hotel a few years back. She was the soul of hospitality-making sure all the guests were comfortable and having a good time. I can still hear her distinctive voice and miss seeing her in my office. May her memory be for a blessing.

I remember Mrs. Perkins as a Decatur parent who always came in with a smile no matter what was going on around her. I can picture that beautiful smile and hope that it will always bring comfort and joy to your entire family.
May Michele rest in peace. With deepest sympathies 

Dear Tony, Shea, Boys & Family
I just heard the devastating news that Michelle your dear wife & Mom passed away. My heart is breaking for all if you.
I loved gabbing with her at the Decatur window! Her smile & energy were infectious! Shea, I will say lots of prayers for you and your brothers and of course Dad too. Sending hugs to all of you! The world was a better brighter place because of your Mom. How lucky I was to cross her path and your paths @ Decatur Classical. My deepest sympathy & love to a very special family.
Mrs. Jockl

What an incredibly wonderful person Michelle is. Way too young. She will be missed. My best to Tony. Bring the kids back to firehouse soon

Tony,

Karla and I were heartbroken to hear of Michele's passing. Your touching tribute to her and the gallery photos really brought back memories of her great energy and spirit. I particularly enjoyed the ones of the human pyramid in the middle of Waveland while CPD looks on.

Please accept our condolences. You and your family are in our prayers.

Best,
Todd and Karla Van Fleet

Michele was truly one of a kind. I knew Michele from her many visits to our office to promoting one of the many pharmaceuticals her company sold. Let me tell you she was always successful with her persuasion. If one of the providers wasn’t writing one of the many wonderful drugs she was promoting they were by the time she left. She was dynamo. We were also pregnant at the same time her with her first and me with my last. So we often had conversations on how excited she was about becoming a mom. She was a very proud mama. She was always showing pics to the office of her babies and telling us a story or two about one of them. One time we were talking about the kids and and I was saying something about my son and his age and i was corrected by Michele on his age and of course she was right. Oh we laughed. My point is she listened to every detail and cared so much for the people she made a bond with. Halloween is something I will also remember about Michele. Oh how excited she would get planning the family themed costumes. She put her all into. Every year we looked forward to seeing Michele And the family in those costumes. I could hear her saying wait till you see this years with a big smile on her face. Let me tell you those costume were always amazing every detail. Rest In Peace my friend you will be missed and always remembered. Stay strong Perkin’s family just like Michele showed you.

I met Michele in the 1990’s when we worked at Medicis. Michele’s life was a bright light that burned out way to soon. I was so happy to see that she was active and happy right up until the end with her family. The Perkins family is blessed with wonderful memories of Michele that you can carry with you forever. I certainly will as well. Thanks for keeping us all updated on Michele’s Journey.
Mike DeBoard

Dear Berger and Perkins Families,
I had the pleasure of working with Michele at Medicis, we would joke about people not knowing what they were missing when it came to Chicago. She will truly be miss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

We did not know Michele well but our lives intersected at Fred's Camp where we had three kids around the same age (including twins) and at Oz Park Softball over the past few years. Michele struck me, as she did many others, as a force, fiercely protecting and pushing her children to do great things. I can only imagine her grief over leaving them before seeing the wonderful things they WILL continue to do. She made it all look easy--being at camp, games, practice when she had many other things going on. Tony, it was clear that you adored her and her loss is sure to be painful. We grieve with you and hope her spirit lives on in your lives. xoxox Morris family (Don, Denise, Paulina, Susanna and Brody)

Michele left a mark on everyone she met. She knew everyone and feared nothing. She listened to my challenges and I always knew her empathy was genuine, real and came from a place of true understanding. She wasn’t self-conscious and wouldn’t let you feel that way either. She was the person, who when you saw her at an event, you immediately knew it was going to be 100x more fun than you thought it would be.

Michele taught us to say yes and try something. She reminded us to laugh at ourselves and participate. She taught us how to make everyday events fun. She showed us how to be brave in the face of extreme adversity. She taught us to always give the class stuffed animal they send home for the night a spin in the dryer before it touches anything. Most importantly, she taught us to always, always wear something short and tight.

I was fortunate enough to visit Michele a few weeks back to say goodbye. I read her a letter that I had been writing off and on for the past year. I had been trying to somehow capture some of my favorite memories of the crazy, bright, fun, powerful force who declared us friends and let her know how much she meant to me. I promised her it wouldn’t be too sappy and we would laugh, because that what you did with Michele - you laughed.

Here are a few of my favorite parts:

I’ll never forget the first time I met you. It was Halloween and the boys were in the first grade. You were blonde, because in Perkins family tradition your costumes were over the top. That year your theme was Grease and you were Sandy. Tony, as Danny, was reading the class a story and answering questions about his profession while we were gossiping in the back of the class. I thought immediately, “well, there’s a family who may love theme parties more than I do. We have to be friends.” And, when I found out you went to Wisconsin, that just solidified it. Go Badgers!

You have that spark that makes people want to be around you. It’s a rare and special gift that attracts people of all kinds who want to be your friend and want some of your light to shine on them. That gift, you have passed on in spades to your children. That spark shines brightly and clearly through Blake, Britton and Shea. 

Your spark attracts wonderful people and I do think our little Alcott Mom gang formed because of you. You are the ringleader of our crazy circus. That first year we began our tradition of Whatever-Grade-They-Are-In Boy Moms + Heidi dinners. It usually goes down like this: you send a text that it’s time for another dinner and everyone texts back that they are in. Then the day of the dinner there may be a call to find out who is ready for drinks early. Usually most of us are. I think the hallmark is how many times the wait staff tries to take our order and we have to turn them away because we haven’t even opened the menus yet. It can be as long as a full hour before we order food because the food and drink are secondary. We talk about everything and nothing at all, we gossip, and we’re completely inappropriate.

During the teacher’s strike last year we determined that if we combined all of our skills we could have a kick ass home school. It was one of my favorite text chains ever. I would teach language arts, Emily would teach law, Lindsay would teach media studies, Erin would be our art teacher, Heidi, our science teacher, Tracy would teach home ec, with a special unit on ironing, and Terri would be the lunch lady. We volunteered Josh, to teach math and finance, Michael to give seminars on being an entrepreneur, and Ronnie to teach PE. But, your contribution might have been the most important. You would teach the kids how to sell drugs so we could turn this into a money making operation. You also volunteered to teach Sex Ed by sitting the kids down for a viewing of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, followed by a discussion.

However, we may want to think twice about your Sex Ed curriculum. Another of my favorite memories of you is from a party right before the boys were about to start Sex Ed. You said “Well I told the boys they would learn about when their balls will drop.” And my husband Josh looked at you and said “Michele, it’s not like New Year’s Eve. We’re not waiting around for balls to drop.” I still can’t tell the story without laughing. Watching the ball drop changed forever and makes me automatically think of you.

As I got to know Blake and Britton and Shea, my admiration for you only grew exponentially. They are, simply put, incredible. I describe Blake and Britton as “the kids who don’t just put the dirty dishes in the sink, they put them in the dishwasher.” Their ability to befriend, include, joke around with, push and protect my son, who we know isn’t the easiest person, is something for which I am forever grateful. Their maturity, easy-going natures, curiosity, and ability to laugh at themselves is everything you hope for in your children and the people they choose to befriend. These qualities come straight from you and Tony, so thank you. I may joke that Britton is my favorite because he’s a Wisconsin fan, but the truth is you all are my favorites.

I feel so lucky that we were able to spend some one-on-one time this year. It didn’t matter if I was driving us up to Wisconsin to give the boys private skiing lessons, spontaneously coming to Michigan for the most perfect day of the summer, or simply walking around the block, spending time with you is always a gift.

Our Mayor of Gowdy Shores---Your absence will be felt profoundly. The first summer we had our new home in Gowdy Shores one of my favorite memories was "cocktailing" as Michele always called it, in the pool until late into the evening. The kids were playing and the adults were all chatting. It felt so wonderful to be a part of something that seemed so magical and special and that was because of Michele. She took everyone in with such open arms, everyone was family. 

I always admired how she packed life in. Every time I would see her on the beach she had come back from a baseball game, or was heading to a concert. Nothing stopped her.  She would be on the beach playing cards or paddle boarding and all I was thinking about would be taking a nap. 

I always admired her friendships. While I didn't know her long, she seemed to have so many friends and people who loved her from every stage of life. I especially saw that love and devotion in the end as I watched her surrounded by such love. It was truly the most beautiful thing to witness. 

Tony, Shea, Britton and Blake--I am sure that it feels like you were robbed of such an incredible wife and mother but it also seems to me that you got the gift of such an incredible wife and mother who, was in so many ways larger than life. To be in the presence of that is such a remarkable gift that many people will never get at all and you got to live that every day.

I, as so many of us, are completely heartbroken for your loss. I know that there will never be anything to take away that pain. However, I also know that she loved you so wholeheartedly and that is not a love that everyone experiences. I know that she will continue to show you that love from the other side and will continue to walk beside you and fill you all with the same love that she did when she was here. 

I had the fortunate opportunity to meet your Mom shortly after you were born, Shea. We had a Roscoe Village mom's meetup at a local restaurant. I could not believe mere weeks after you were born (about 3 week maybe) your Mom was out having a solo dinner with friends and did not look one bit tired. I was in total awe of your mom that night. She had this gutsy, confident, funny, and vivacious personality.

It turns out we lived around the corner from you all and the Barry folks were kind enough to invite the Damen folks to your annual block party. Over the years I really enjoyed our conversations in passing in the neighborhood and at the block party.

Later, I ran into your mom while she was having lunch in the neighborhood. She told me she was pregnant and having twins! I remember walking away thinking, "If anyone can handle having twins, it's Michelle."

I will never forget the site of your mom as one big blueberry during one Halloween. Hilarious...so so funny. Every year my family would look out for yours, waiting to see the family costume. 

Powerhouse is another word that comes to mind when I think about your mom. Although I was not a close friend, it was not hard to see that your mom did it all, 100% of the time. We should all be a bit more like Michelle :-)

My favorite picture of your mom is the one here in the red dress. I remember when it popped up on my Facebook feed. This picture perfectly represents her "sparkle."

May you carry that sparkle with you the rest of your lives. We are thinking of you all.

Love Always,
The Marcus Family

I still have a picture on a device somewhere of my daughter and Shea after Michele took them for makeovers. She was a bundle of energy and joy, and the world is a little dimmer with her gone. Our thoughts are with you all.

It was a super hot Back to School night at Decatur. We were in the multi purpose room and I, unlike your mom, was sweating beyond belief. I was a hot mess and not the good kind. My whole plan was to find out what was in store for 1st grade and then get out of there. And then this gorgeous ridiculous human, known as Michele Berger-Perkins, turned around and asked me......me who likes going to bed at 8:30p.m. and has no issue with it.....me who was gross and sweaty and probably wearing something completely uncool, "Where's the after party tonight?" 

I wondered if she knew she was at Decatur, truly the dorkiest school and parent body ever on the planet (and the parents and kids all know it so no biggie) and why of all people she was asking me. And thus began one of my most fascinating friendships ever with a woman I could only hope to be cool enough to orbit.

What I loved most about Michele was just her complete passion for everything. She was passionate about Tony. She was passionate about Shea, and Blake and Britton. She was passionate about her parents, sister, nieces, other family, friends. Michele was passionate about Badgers and Bears and Bulls and sitting on the floor in the DePaul gym watching Fred's Camp basketball, and sitting in the field watching Oz Park Softball. She was passionate about Halloween Costumes, and themed party costumes, and outfits for fundraisers. She was passionate about her kids' education, school choices, ways in which all our institutions could do better. Passionate about music, and young boy band artists in particular--although she played it off like it was all for Shea ;). She was passionate about experiences of all kinds....including vacations. No beach available to her satisfaction, well then the dude ranch was the obvious answer. I mean....really??

Sometimes her passion was well..... intended to mortify her children, like Jogathon....Shea.....and then it worked to mortify my children as she always found a way to bring on co-conspirators like Jed and Ms. Sharping. Or how she'd needle Jill Corcoran every chance she could for a night out knowing Michele had met her match with Jill on the best in work/life balance.

And there was never a phone call where I answered the phone and there was a greeting. Mostly it was on my way to and from work, and I would put the call on speaker and listen to whatever the topic of the day was for about 20 minutes before I even had to speak. (Honestly, Shea, your mom should have been called the original Squacky). And the topics were never the same, and I could rarely truly help, but it was amusing for me, and hopefully therapeutic for Michele and I will miss them terribly.

I will never know how Michele fit in all her passions. How she made it to the gym before I'd even crawled out of the house to take Shea and Max to newspaper at 6:15a.m. Or how she'd be top of her game at work, the very best wife and parent I knew, and have her Facebook game on point for all her weekend socializing. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

But what I do know, is that more than anything she was so proud of Shea and Blake and Britton....every part of you. She loved how thoughtful, bright, athletic, kind, gorgeous, curious, and fun you all are and how she found room to have all that passion for the three of you, and your dad, and everything else in this world will always be amazing to me and something that will inspire me always.

We're thinking about all of you, and Michele all the time. And when you need us we will always be here. We are passionate about Perkins.

Dear Berger and Perkins Families,
Michele was such a shining light and a joy to everyone who met her. The first thing that comes to mind when remembering Michele is her hearty laugh. We lived 2 houses down from The Ball Family and would see Michele and Tony and kids at every family birthday party (and there were many!). Papa Bob would dress as a clown, Grandma Helene would bake her famous cakes, and there was always, always so much love and happiness to share in. We send you all love and virtual hugs during this time. 
Love,
The Chron Family - Tim, Lisa, Courtney, Lexi, Lindsay, Kasey and Tyler

Hearing of Michele's passing is heartbreaking and somewhat hard to believe. How can she be in heaven so soon? Michele and I met through a mutual friend (Mo) who was in sales with her at Medicis. We spent time at Mo's lake house together when she was dating Tony. It seemed we were on a parallel path as we were planning our weddings at the same time, and we were both pregnant with our first children together. Michele would give me planning tips for the wedding from her wedding planner. Shae and Lexi were born around the same time. Michele and I would have baby play dates and stroll down Southport together. I ventured off to the suburbs when Lexi was a year old, while Michele continued her city adventures. I remember going down to the city to the Fletcher block party and connecting again with Michele like no time had passed. I always looked forward to getting the Perkins holiday card each year. The family Halloween costumes, and professional family photos were always among my favorite. I can only imagine that Shae, Britton, and Blake are beaming with personality from both Michele and Tony. As I've looked at Michele's many friends posting pictures of Michele, I've seen her connected to several I know that I didn't realize were also connected to Michele. As Tony said, she had thousands of friends, it's like the Kevin Bacon game, playing six degrees of separation from Michele Perkins. We are all so fortunate that Michele has touched our lives, she will be greatly missed.

It's always so hard to hear about a fellow classmate from childhood years passing away. Michele's passing was truly a hard one for me. I knew Michele back in the days of Springman Jr. High and GBS. We didn't hang out much, but she was always such a kind person, we were friends from afar. She was a cheerleader and I was a Titan Pom. You didn't mix back then.... Later in 2005(ish), I ran into Michele while she was at an office doing her sales calls. I then ran into her allover the city because I too was in sales. We always laughed that we stalked each other. My family and I then joined Temple Jeremiah where every year at High Holidays we would see each other and give one another a huge hug. Last year I sat next to her and her mother during services. I cried during the healing prayer..... Each Shabbat service I attended after that I would say the healing prayer for her.  This high holiday time which is right around the corner will not be the same without seeing Michele and her beautiful family. The kids so dressed to perfection. I'd admire how she told me her busy life and I always thought "how the heck does she keep it all together". She will be missed by too many people to even count. I wish I knew her better during our adult lives, but she was always in my heart and mind and will be truly missed. I hope time will mend everyone's heart, I'm truly sorry for the loss.
Tracy Kellner

Tony, Shea, Britton and Blake, and to the entire Berger and extended Perkins families,

I am heartbroken at the news of Michele's passing. This is the most beautiful and moving tribute. In between tears, I laughed at the "keep up with me" line! She would be sharing a story with me and would have moved to another story, and I was still stuck on two stories ago.

Despite the many years that were taken from her way too early, she lived more life in 50 years than almost anyone. She was the most vibrant, hilarious, energetic, cool, kind-hearted and fantastic person. Truly one of a kind.

Tony, she absolutely adored you and your relationship is one that everyone on earth strives to have.

Her love for Shea, Britton and Blake was unmeasurable. I remember so fondly our crazy block parties. I remember when Shea was hit with the baseball bat during the pinata only to fast forward for a few hours and there was Michele going down the water slide in her dress after several cocktails!! Then she later taught Holden the important job of tee-peeing neighbor's trees with toilet paper (an "important life skill" in her own words). That is how I will always remember her. Her zest for life, her love for her family, her love of work and working out, the amazing Perkins Halloween family get-ups and her thousands of adoring friends.

Until you meet again......may Michele rest gently in peace.

Love,
Jennifer Seuring

Dear Helene, Bob and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending virtual hugs to you and Michele’s family. 
I will keep you all in my heart. 
Jill Goodman Cole