Michele Sanfilippo

Michele Sanfilippo

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our cherished Michele Sanfilippo, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her generous spirit and warm presence, akin to the comforting ritual of a late-night coffee enjoyed during a spirited game of rummy, gently departed from Gainesville, Georgia, on April 4, 2025. She was 69 years of age.

Born on May 30, 1955, Michele embraced life with an abundance of love and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. She was the steadfast and loving mother of Dave Woods, Rob Woods, and Joe Woods. Her beloved granddaughters, Grace Woods and Alison Pendley, held a place of unparalleled affection in her heart. The remarkable family she nurtured, including the delightful grandchildren who were a source of immense pride, brought her immeasurable joy.

Beyond her immediate family, Michele possessed a profound compassion for animals, particularly dogs and cats. Numerous fortunate creatures found solace and refuge through her selfless dedication and boundless empathy. It is evident that she believed every living being deserved kindness and a second chance. Furthermore, her unwavering loyalty to the Atlanta Braves was a testament to her passionate nature, as she enthusiastically supported her team.

Movie nights with Michele were uniquely memorable. Her extensive knowledge of actors was matched by her endearing habit of referring to nearly every on-screen face as "her friend," a cherished and affectionate jest. Professionally, she excelled as a sales associate, yet her most treasured vocation, one she fulfilled with exceptional devotion, was that of a mother, a role she embraced with unwavering love and commitment.

Michele will be fondly remembered for her magnanimous heart, her steadfast kindness, and her radiant smile that could dispel any gloom. She possessed an extraordinary ability to prioritize the needs of others, both human and animal. She was, indeed, a remarkable individual, and her memory will be a treasured narrative within the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Michele is now reunited with her beloved parents, Nellie and Joseph Sanfilippo, and her sister Joanne Sander. She leaves behind her loving sons, David and Jacque Woods, Rob Woods, and Joe Woods; her cherished granddaughters, Grace Woods and Alison Pendley; and her siblings, Candace Lazik and Anthony Sanfilippo.

A celebration of Michele's remarkable life will be held on Thursday, April 10th, at 11:00 AM at Little and Davenport Funeral Home, located at 355 Dawsonville Highway SW, Gainesville, GA 30501. In lieu of floral tributes, and in accordance with Michele's generous spirit, the family kindly suggests that memorial donations be made to the Forsyth County Humane Society, an organization that held a special significance in her compassionate heart.

"Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads."

Little & Davenport are in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michele Sanfilippo, please visit our floral store.