Hundreds Share in Benefit for Teacher’s Family

WILDWOOD CREST – Over 600 people came to the Bayview Inn to celebrate the life, share memories and support the family of a local preschool teacher who passed away Nov. 11.
It was standing room only at a beef and beer held Dec. 2 to benefit the sons of Michele Laffey.
Laffey, 42, died in her sleep of an apparent heart attack. The mother, friend and teacher was beloved by members of this community as well as throughout Cape May County.
Guests arriving at the venue found one wall of the lobby decorated with hundreds of photographs showing Laffey with family members as well as children she had taught throughout the years as owner of Crest Community Preschool.
According to John Lynch, an organizer of the benefit, the Michele Laffey Memorial Trust was set up to assist the late woman’s two sons, Brandon, 19, and Kevin, 16, with their educational needs.
“This is our community at its finest,” said Lynch as he looked around the packed room.
“This is unbelievable. I can’t believe how many people have known her,” said Laffey’s cousin, Donna Laffey Rowe.
According to Rowe, her cousin was “the best.”
Vicki Douglas Dilmore, another cousin, added her sentiments about Laffey. “I loved how everyone loved her,” said Dilmore. “She made an effort.”
Both women shared their memories of a woman who lived an extraordinary life.
“She was a mom to everyone,” said Dilmore. “She was the same with everybody as she was to her family.”
According to Dilmore, Laffey was a hands-on mother, noting her cousin was involved in all her sons’ activities.
“She was everyone’s best friend,” added Rowe.
Money raised from the day’s event will be used to offset educational costs for the late woman’s two children.
Brandon Laffey. A graduate of Cape May County Technical High School recently completed real estate school after completing courses at Atlantic Cape Community College. Kevin Laffey is a student at Wildwood Catholic High School.
Laffey’s death has deeply affected her family, said her cousins.
“It’s a heartache for the whole family,” said Dilmore.
“We’re lucky we have all those memories,” added Rowe.
Donations to the trust fund and information about upcoming events can be obtained online at michelelaffeytrust.com.