Michelle A. Cilley

Michelle Angela (Lavertu) Cilley, 55, of Upton and a former resident of Northborough, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She is the beloved wife of Christopher J. Cilley.

Born in Lewiston, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Ronald and Suellen (Bellavance) Lavertu. She was raised in Lewiston, ME, and later continued her education at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Michelle was employed by the Town of Northborough for 25 years, where she dedicated herself to public service in several roles, including the Parks and Recreation Department, the Town Administrator’s Office, and the Planning Board.

Michelle found great joy in reading, gardening, spending time with her family, and taking trips to the Cape. She had a deep passion for cooking and loved preparing a wide variety of dishes for those she cherished. Ever curious and eager to learn, she delighted in sharing her knowledge with others especially when it came to birds and the many varieties of wildflowers she admired.

In addition to her husband, Chris, she is survived by her cherished children, Margaret “Maggie” Lyseth of Upton, Emma Lyseth of Northborough, Monica Cilley of Upton, and Nicole Cilley of Upton; her brother, Ronald Lavertu of Tennessee; her brother-in-law, William Cilley and his wife, Meghan; her beloved niece, Reese Cilley; and her former husband and dear friend, Keith Lyseth.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, February 27, in the Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton.

A Liturgy of the Word will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 28, in St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 151 Mendon Street, Upton. A reception to follow will be announced at church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to Baypath Humane Society, 500 Legacy Farms North, Hopkinton MA 01748 or via www.baypathhumane.org or to an Animal Shelter/ Rescue of one's choosing.

One of Michelle’s favorite pastimes was enjoying a glass of Guinness while playing her lucky Keno numbers 1, 10, 11, 69, and 72. In her honor, her family invites you to raise a glass of Guinness and play those numbers in the weeks and months to come, remembering Michelle with a smile and a grateful heart.