Beloved Derby Resident, CT Preschool Director Mourned By Community

DERBY, CT — A Derby woman who served as director of a Fairfield preschool for over 30 years died earlier this month at the age of 58, according to her obituary.

Michele Linane, a lifelong Derby resident, died Friday at Griffin Hospital, according to an obituary posted by Spinelli-Ricciuti Funeral Home in Ansonia.

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A GoFundMe created last month to support Linane and her family previously revealed she visited a walk-in clinic on April 12 after feeling unwell and returned home later the day.

"That night, everything changed," the fundraiser's description reads. "In the middle of the night, Michele struggled to breathe."

She was then rushed to Griffin Hospital, where she was diagnosed with human metapneumovirus and septic shock, according to the GoFundMe.

See also: Preschool Director In Critical Condition After Sudden Emergency In CT

An update shared to the GoFundMe page Saturday confirmed Linane had died on May 1.

"As the family navigates this unexpected loss we will continue to raise funds to cover funeral/burial expenses, medical expenses and any other unexpected costs due to the wonderful care Michele experienced the last few weeks," the update reads. "We would like to thank everyone for the love, kindness, support and donations for this truly remarkable woman. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers, thank you."

As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe has raised over $22,000 toward a current fundraising goal of $26,000 after receiving over 200 donations.

(Those who wish to donate to the GoFundMe can do so here.)

According to her obituary, Linane served as director of A Child's Garden daycare in Fairfield for 31 years and was known by everyone for her kindness and generosity.

"She has touched the lives of countless children, families, students and teachers with her kindness, dedication and warmth," the GoFundMe description reads.

Linane also donated to St. Vincent de Paul throughout the year "to help all those in need" and served as a greeter at St. Michael's Church in Derby, according to the obituary.

She was also an integral part of the Derby 350th team.

"With her superior organizational skills and attention to the most critical details, she made all the events successful, especially the East Derby Tree Lighting," the obituary reads. "Her kind spirit will be deeply missed."

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the chapel of Spinelli-Ricciuti Funeral Home, located at 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Church, located at 75 Derby Avenue in Derby.

Interment will immediately follow at Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby, according to the obituary.

The full obituary can be viewed on the funeral home's website here.