Michelle L. Pheiffer nee Gazdik, 35, of Carpentersville died Thursday, December 4, 2008 at Provena St. Joseph Hospital. Born in Elgin on June 17, 1973, she was the daughter of John and Fern Gazdik.

She was an elementary school graduate of St. Joseph Catholic School and a graduate of St. Edwards High School. She went on to receive her Bachelors of Arts degree in advertising at the University of IL at Urbana-Champaign, and later a Masters degree in Business Administration at Northern Illinois University. Michelle was employed by Altria for fourteen years as a Unit Territory Sales Manager. Michelle was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She enjoyed reading, crafts, traveling and sports. She was an avid University of Illinois and Chicago White Sox supporter. Michelle was involved with various philanthropic activities including women’s shelters, Habitat for humanity and the Salvation Army. Michelle genuinely enjoyed her family and friends. She will be remembered as a loving daughter, a loving sister, a loving wife and a loving friend. Her warm smile and infectious laugh touched those who met her.

Michelle is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Lorene Brown; paternal grandparents, John and Anna Gazdik; aunt, Myrna Orr; and grandparents through marriage, John W. Hanna and Loretta Pheiffer.

She is survived by her husband, Aaron Christopher Pheiffer; parents, John and Fern Gazdik, brother, Kevin Gazdik; aunts, Sister Margaret Gazdik, and Sammie (Bill) Eckstein; parents-in-law, Gary and Theresa Pheiffer; and grandparents through marriage, Elsie Hanna and Ray Pheiffer; sister-in-law, Valerie (John) Hawkins; nephews Owen and Luke Hawkins; and cousins.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at O’Connor – Leetz Funeral Home, Elgin. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, father John Earl, presiding. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Elgin. Memorials may be made to the family. For more information, call us at 847-741-1400.

Aaron,
I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot be there with you today, but I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. My condolences to your entire family.

Mike Lowrey

Aaron

I just found out about your loss. I did not have the joy of meeting Michelle, but knowing you, I am sure she was wonderful and it is my loss. I cannot express the sorrow that I feel and wish that I could do something to ease your pain. I just want you to know that I am thinking and praying for you, and if there is anything that I can do, please let me know.

Matt Cain
309-344-5887

Aaron
I am so very sorry. We have so many terrific memories of being with you and Michelle - from Champaign to Greece. We will dearly miss her. Lots of love to you, Angie Eckert

Although I cannot be there today, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Michelle and I went to St. Ed's together and myself, along with our friends, are deeply saddened by her passing. Her friends from high school will always remember her infectious laugh and smile. Our hearts go out to you.

Aaron, I am really sorry to hear about your loss. It is so hard to lose a loved one anytime, but around the holiday's it seems to make it that much harder!!!! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Diana Cooper (Stickle)

Dear Aaron,
My husband, Rick Hanna, is your mother's cousin. We didn't hear of your loss until Monday evening. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and to your entire family, and to Michelle's too. There are no words that will ease your pain right now. We pray that God will give all of you courage and strength for each new day. I never got to meet your sweet wife, but from all accounts, she was wonderful in every way. You and all the family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Sincerely,
Jeanie & Rick Hanna-Abingdon, IL.

Aaron,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are deeply saddened and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Michelle was a wonderful person and we enjoyed seeing you at the boy's parties.
Kurt Robinson and family (friends of John & Val)