Michelle Renee James Israel was born to Florabelle and Isiah James, Sr. on September 26, 1956 in Berkeley, California.
She graduated from Oakland High School and attended college at California State University Hayward. She lived in the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area for all of her life, where she met and married Paul Israel on May 19th, 1984. Together they had one daughter, Lauren Israel, and a stepdaughter, Samay Israel.
At 18 years old she began working in the hospitality industry, and was known by everyone for her tireless energy, can-do attitude, and positive spirit. She found her niche in hospitality and had a commitment to her craft, excelling at every role she took on, and serving in a variety of positions (her most notable being a catering sales manager) for over 40 years. She worked long term at many prominent hotels and restaurants, including Victoria Station, Hyatt Regency Oakland, the Saint Francis Hotel in San Francisco, Scott’s Seafood, and the Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Square. Her signature style and flair were ever present, as she was always the best dressed and last to leave the office.
Michelle loved to entertain and took great joy in making others feel welcome, and her job of organizing events carried over to her personal life as she was known for her well planned holiday parties and gatherings, most notably on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Michelle’s love of jazz and rhythm and blues music was evident by a constant “soundtrack” of her life being played in her home. Besides her love for her family and friends, she enjoyed shopping, traveling and wine tasting.
Her parents Florabelle and Isiah, and sisters Joyce Carter and Freida Dolores Hill, all preceded her in death.
She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her precious memory: husband, Paul Israel; daughter Lauren Israel; brothers Isiah James, Jr. and Raymond LeFall; grandchildren, Morgan Michelle Israel and Jacob Pascual, nephews Christopher Carter and Aaron Nails, daughter-in-law Ro Pascual, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The memory of her contagious laugh and vibrant energy will never be forgotten. Michelle will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
