Memorials

Dr. Pascarelli was a valued member of our CVM community and the Class of 2000. Her contributions to the college and the profession of veterinary medicine have made a lasting impact. She will continue to be remembered fondly and missed dearly.
- Anonymous

Obituary

Dr. Michelle Lynn Gorbutt Pascarelli, 42, of Savoy, MA went to meet some old friends at the Rainbow Bridge on Sunday February 26, 2017. Michelle was the proud wife to her best friend and wonderful husband, Dan Pascarelli, for the past eight years. She was the loving mother to her effervescent and precocious 5 year-old Brieann.

In addition to Dan and Brieann, Michelle is survived by her parents, Marian and Michael B. Gorbutt of Lynchburg, VA; two brothers Christopher M. Gorbutt and his wife, Kendrick of Richmond, VA, Dr. Ryan K. Gorbutt and his girlfriend, Angela Zaunder of Naples, FL; nephews Christopher Archer Gorbutt and Fleet Evans Gorbutt. She is survived by Dan's family, her mother-in- law Ann T. Pascarelli of Northford, CT, father-in- law Frank Pascarelli and his wife Deb of Cheshire, CT; brothers-in-law Mike Pascarelli and his wife Maryann of Northford, CT and Joe Pascarelli and his fianc e Rainey Gaetano of Hamden, CT; nephews Chris, Matt and Nick. Michelle will also be mourned by her pack: Sweeeet!, Score, Grit, Brink, Rant and Yikes! and numerous other family and friends.

From an early age, Michelle knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. Her relentless pursuit of this goal led her to the University of Virginia where she received her BA in biology in 1996. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Virginia/Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. From 2002-2004, Michelle worked at Wood Hill Veterinary Clinic in Chatham, NY. She then worked as a private practitioner at Greylock Animal Hospital in North Adams, MA. Michelle had a keen interest in canine sports medicine and a special love for exotic/pocket pets. Dedicated to the welfare of all animals, Michelle also enjoyed volunteering her veterinary knowledge, time and services to the homeless animals in Berkshire County at the Berkshire Humane Society for over ten years.

Michelle embodied a work hard, play hard lifestyle. Michelle loved nature, the outdoors and exploring. She was avid in dog sports for nearly 20 years. Michelle especially enjoyed flyball and agility with Dan and their 6 dogs on the Ruff Enuff flyball team. She was part of back to back North American Flyball Association National Championship teams in 2012 and 2013.

Michelle embraced her 2015 pancreatic cancer diagnosis with the same bold determination she brought to other challenges in her life. Michelle, Dan and Brie were overwhelmed with an outpouring of support from family and friends who rallied around the #gameon tag and purple pancreatic cancer ribbon. They will be forever grateful to Michelle's Greylock Animal Hospital co-workers, the U.S. and Canada flyball/agility community and Michelle's clients from all over the Northern Berkshire/Southern Vermont Community. A special thanks is extended to Carman, Rebecca and Terry of Hospice of Western & Central Massachusetts and Dr. Ali Whitman.

One of Michelle's final requests was that those who had shared in her adventures share their stories with Brieann. Stories, pictures and mementos may be sent to JoAnne Daris, 25 Daley Road, Fitzwillian, NH 03447. For those wishing to support Brie's future endeavors, the Ruff Enuff flyball team has generously started a college fund. Donations may also be sent to JoAnne at the above address.

Per Michelle's wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Published in The Berkshire Eagle on Mar. 1, 2017.