Micheleen Dee (Amaral) Yenke, 69, of Onset, entered into eternal rest July 10. She courageously battled cancer with grace and determination. Her heroic struggle was guided now, as throughout her life, with her strong, fierce love of her family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Howard Yenke; her children: Ernest and his wife Katharine of Sudbury, Michael of Somerville, Karen Wilcox of Florida, Robin Oprosky of Pennsylvania; her grandchildren: Micheleen Block of Connecticut, Michael, Katharine, Susan Yenke of Sudbury, Shannon, Shane Oprosky of Pennsylvania; her great-grandchildren: Rosalyn, Skylar, Jace Block of Connecticut. She leaves her siblings, Maureen Hilliard of Reading and Peter Amaral of Florida and many nieces and nephews.

Micheleen grew up in Somerville and primarily raised her family in New Jersey and Florida, with frequent stays in her beloved Cape Cod. She, with Howard, enjoyed travels to many countries, learning about and appreciating the varied cultures. These enjoyable experiences frequently fueled her culinary passion and her family and friends shared the bounty of her chef accomplishments. She was always proud of her years as a professional waitress in the fine-dining industry. Never one to waste time, her hobbies became accomplishments that brought joy to many. Her gardens were lovely and her grandchildren were especially resplendent at costume-time. These past years, summer visits to the Cape evolved to a permanent residency and joy of salt air and gentle ocean breezes, peppered now with short stays in Somerville.

Private services have been held. Those who wish to donate on Micheleen’s behalf may do so at: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Attn: Development, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA. 02215. Please make checks payable to "Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, & include on the memo line of the check "Cancer Center" in memory of Micheleen Yenke.