Michelle Kulpa

Michelle Williams Kane Kulpa – a radiant soul whose kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication to others touched countless lives – passed peacefully on January 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 58 years old.

Born on October 14, 1966, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Thomas Williams of Detroit, Michigan, and Alice (Youch) Williams of Brooklyn, New York, Michelle’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, laughter, and service.

A proud graduate of Orchard Farm High School, class of 1985, Michelle thrived in her school years, embracing every opportunity to engage with her peers and community. She was a well-rounded student, actively participating in band, choir, the Pop Choir, volleyball, cheerleading, the student newspaper, and numerous other activities—each one a testament to her energy and passion for life.

Her love for education led her to the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (K-12) in Physical Education. While there, she worked in an after-school program, developing a deep passion for reading stories to children—something she continued to cherish throughout her life.

Michelle’s career began as a teacher’s aide in the Francis Howell School District, but her heart was drawn to early childhood education. She began directing a daycare center, nurturing young minds with warmth and care. However, the devastating flood of 1993 prompted a shift in her path, leading her to the Division of Family Services of St. Charles County, where she worked closely with children in foster care. She found fulfillment in advocating for their well-being and educating mandated reporters on how to protect vulnerable youth.

Following the events of September 11th, Michelle transitioned into a new chapter with Magellan Health Services, where she spent years dedicated to mental health benefits, project management, and contract negotiation. Balancing a full-time career, she also raised three boys while pursuing a Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, ultimately earning an MBA. In 2012, she relocated with her family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, taking on an administrative role with Magellan. When the company lost its contract three years later, Michelle embraced a new opportunity at Woman’s Hospital, where she continued to make an impact until her passing.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Michelle was a tireless advocate for numerous causes, lending her time and energy to organizations such as Easter Seals, March of Dimes, NAMI, the American Heart Association, Geaux Teal, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the 10/31 Consortium, Baton Rouge Pride, and Suicide Awareness and Prevention. Suicide touched Michelle’s life at an early age when her dad, Thomas Williams, took his own life at just 32 years old. She was deeply committed to lifting others up, ensuring no one felt alone in their struggles.

One of Michelle’s greatest joys was dancing. She was a founding member of the Baton Rouge BeignYAYS, a spirited dance troupe established in 2017. Through glitter, movement, and laughter, she embraced the group’s mission of body positivity, female empowerment, and creative expression. Even in her final months, Michelle danced in two parades with her BeignYAYS sisters, a testament to her enduring passion and strength.

On March 5, 1998, while cheering on the St. Louis Blues hockey team, she met the love of her life, Don Kulpa. Having both experienced the intricacies of previous marriages, they chose to forgo tradition and eloped to Las Vegas, exchanging vows on January 1, 1999. Together, they blended their families, building a home filled with love, laughter, and support. Their first date was the movie Titanic, a film that became a symbol of their journey. Their son, Jack, was lovingly named in honor of the film’s main character, a tribute to their enduring love.

Michelle was the heart of her family, the ultimate cheerleader for her children, and a mother whose love knew no conditions or limits. She instilled confidence, encouraged individuality, and celebrated every milestone, big or small. She had a way of making each of her children feel seen, loved, and fiercely supported.

Michelle was blessed with two amazing dads. She was raised by her father, Thomas Williams, until she was 10 years old. Later in life, through AncestryDNA, she uncovered a new chapter of her family story. She discovered her biological father, Daniel “Pop” Kane, and three amazing brothers. The Kanes welcomed her with open arms, and she quickly grew close to them. She cherished the bond with her expanded family, embracing the new heritage and traditions with pride.

When Michelle was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer on September 27, 2024, she made the deeply personal decision to prioritize quality over quantity. Rather than undergoing chemotherapy, she chose to embrace the time she had left with determination and joy. She created a "bucket list" and tackled it with everything she had—traveling to St. Croix, Cozumel, and New York. She celebrated her middle son, Samuel Switzer, as he got married, spent cherished time with family and friends, and lived each moment with an intensity and joy that defined her spirit.

Her final hours were a reflection of the love and connection that defined her life. Late into the night, as she rested, Titanic came on at 1 AM, and Don kept it playing, knowing it was special to them. Even though she wasn’t speaking, when the closing song played, Michelle quietly sang along—her voice still a reminder that her love was there, sharing that moment.

Michelle’s light, love, and laughter will be deeply missed by her family, friends, the Baton Rouge BeignYAYS, and the countless lives she touched. Her kindness, passion for life, and spirit of giving will continue to inspire others. Don, her husband of 26 years, is heartbroken by the loss of his soulmate— a love that only grew deeper through their life’s journey. Michelle’s entire family is feeling the loss too – while her physical presence is gone, her lessons, love, and encouragement will stay with them forever.

Michelle is survived by her husband, Don Kulpa, her children, Daniel (Shawn) Switzer, Sam (Khrysta) Switzer, Sister Carissa Kulpa, Jack (Sydney) Kulpa, her uncle, Donald (Connie) Youch, her aunt, Marie Rando, her “Pop”, Dan Kane, her brothers, Danny (Adrian) Kane, Walter (Christy) Kane, James (Sally) Kane, along with numerous nieces & nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Hospice of Baton Rouge. https://www.HospiceBR.org/pages/donate

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, LA, on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. A celebration of Michelle’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Following the celebration, a funeral procession will escort friends & family to Serenity Oaks Memorial Park for burial.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.