Michele Raguso Obituary Michele L. Raguso, a cherished wife, loving mother, devoted sister, and friend to many, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family in Reston, VA, on December 14, 2024. Born on April 24, 1956, in Bethlehem, PA, Michele lived a life marked by dedication to her family, a passion for her cultural heritage, and a commitment to her community. Michele graduated from Liberty High School in 1974, where she was an active member of the choir, glee club, pep club, ski club, and theater, shining in the lead role as Oliver in the senior school play 'Oliver Twist.' She carried her love for the arts and her leadership skills to Muhlenberg College, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology in 1978. Michele continued her education with graduate courses in accounting and finance at Western New England College in Springfield, MA. Professionally, Michele was a respected figure in the financial sector. Her career began at the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society and led her to various managerial and supervisory roles, including Office Manager and Processing Supervisor at Commonwealth Mortgage Corporation as well as to opportunities in Northern Virginia where Michele's expertise and work ethic were further recognized as she distinguished herself as a mortgageunderwriter who repeatedly demonstrated the traits of objectiveness, transparency, consistency, and professionalism in her work. Michele's life was deeply rooted in faith and cultural traditions. She was a former parishioner of St. Anne Catholic Church in Bethlehem, PA, and continued her spiritual journey at St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church in Reston, VA, where she served as a Catechist Coordinator. Her Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and inspiring her service. Her love for her Irish heritage was evident in her involvement with the Irish dance community in Virginia. She supported the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance and the McGrath Academy of Irish Dance, and she never missed the Celtic Fest in Bethlehem. Michele's Slovenian roots were equally important to her, as was her affection for French language and culture. She cherished the opportunity to return home annually to enjoy Musikfest, a testament to her unwavering connection to her hometown. Michele's interests were as varied as they were passionate. She adored spending time with her family, teaching her son Anton the art of cooking and continuing the culinary traditions of her mother and grandmother. Her garden was a source of pride and joy, where she grew vegetables and plants that not only graced her table but also attracted bees and hummingbirds. Michele's love for nature extended to the local wildlife that visited her property, and she found peace in bird-watching, identifying each species with the same textbook she had used in college. Left to honor Michele's memory are her beloved husband of 35 years, Arthur Bartley Raguso and his daughter Emilie; her children, Anton, Ariel and Aerin Raguso; her sister, Melissa Cherry and her husband Kenneth; her sister-in-law, Andrea (Starry) Leposa; her nieces and nephews, Trevor and Reagan Leposa, and Madeline, Jaelen, Justin, and Jordan Cherry. She joins in eternal rest her parents, Geza and Madeline (O'Donnell) Leposa; and her siblings, Gisele Ann and Martin Leposa. Michele L. Raguso lived a life that embodied the values of family, faith, and community. Her spirit, love, and the lessons she imparted will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends, ensuring that her memory will always be a beacon of light and love. Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday December 20, 2024in St. Anne Catholic Church, 450 E. Washington Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18017, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. The burial will be held the following day, on Saturday December 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Bethlehem Memorial Park Cemetery, 1851 Linden St. Bethlehem, PA 18017 (Please meet at the main entrance.) Michele's arrangements are entrusted to Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memorial tribute may be made at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michele's name to Catholic Charities Diocese of Allentown, 402 W Chew St, Allentown, PA 18102. Services Calling Hour Friday December 20, 2024 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM St. Anne Catholic Church 450 E. Washington Ave Bethlehem, PA 18017 Mass of Christian Burial Friday December 20, 2024 11:00 AM St. Anne Catholic Church 450 E. Washington Ave Bethlehem, PA 18017 Graveside Service Saturday December 21, 2024 11:00 AM Bethlehem Memorial Park 1851 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA