Cristen Mich

Cristen Patricia Mich passed peacefully in her sleep at 50 years old on August 25, 2021 at the Hamlet Rehabilitation and and Healthcare Center in Nesconset, NY where she lived the past several months.  Her long struggle with Alzheimer’s is finally over.

Cristen was born in Kew Gardens, Queen, NY on February 10, 1971.  She was God’s special gift to her mother and father.  Born with Downs Syndrome, Cristen became a beacon of joy and love for all who knew her.  Her determination led her to achieve much in her life, and her sassiness inspired hundreds of legendary “Cristen Stories”.  She attended the Sachem schools in their special education program and spent more than 25 years as part of AHRC (Association for Habilitation and Residential Care) in Bohemia.  She loved sports and Special Olympics (track, golf, basketball and bowling in particular).

Cristen loved music and dancing.  There is a family legend that the ABBA song “Dancing Queen” was written about her as she was always the first to dance and the last to leave the dance floor.   

  She is survived by her parents, Kathleen and Duffy Mich, her sister, Erin Mich-Gennari and brother-in-law, Adam Gennari, all of whom live on Long Island.  She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be at the St. James Funeral Home in St. James, NY on Sunday, August 29th from 2-4 and 7-9.  Funeral Mass will be at Sts. Philip and James RC Church in St. James, NY on Monday, August 30th at 10:30.  She will be buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Coram, NY following the Mass.

The family thanks the incredible people of AHRC for their years of taking great care of Cristen.  Donations can be made to AHRC via their website (AHRCSuffolk.org).  We also thank the wonderful team at Hamlet Rehabilitation and Healthcare center for their care over Cristen’s final months.

As we say goodbye, we will always remember Cristen as she lived.  “Live. Love. Dance.” 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.