Michelle D Higgins Montanye, 56, of Argersinger Road, Fultonville, NY, died at home surrounded by her family.

Michelle was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on July 9, 1967, the daughter of Peter Higgins and Sandra Loyche Johnson.

She graduated from Fort Plain High School, class of 1985, and then attended FMCC.

She worked at Lexington for nine years before becoming a phlebotomist at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital.

She was a lifelong local area resident of the Christian faith and attended Cornerstone Baptist Church throughout her life.

In her spare time, she enjoyed crafting, sewing, and photographing her children's and grandchildren's lives, leaving a beautiful picture history of memories.

On Valentine's Day in 1996, she married Michael Montanye in Ephratah.

She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Charles and Monica Loyche.

She is survived by her parents, Peter Higgins and Sandra Johnson; her husband, Michael Montanye; children Nicole and John Maher, Kellen Higgins, and fiance Rebecca Mutchock, Alex Montanye, and Carlene Montanye; her siblings, Christine Higgins and Roy "Wayne" Myers; grandchildren Connor and Abigail; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, July 12th, from 4:00 to 7:00 at the chapel of Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. A Memorial service will occur on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Following the service, burial will take place at Freysbush Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Michelle's memory to Mt. Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave, Gloversville, NY 12078; your local SPCA; or Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P. O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240.