Michelle A. Axt

Michelle Axt, beloved mother of Matthew Axt and Ivana Axt, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She is preceded in death by her father, Robert V. Kelly, and her beloved brother, Theron Kelly. She was 62 years old.

Born on June 16, 1964, in Newark, New Jersey, Michelle was the cherished daughter of Maggie Jamison Kelly and the late Robert V. Kelly.

Michelle raised in Newark, alongside her brother, enjoyed a humble upbringing grounded in family and faith. She attended Saint Augustine Parochial School and Saint Lucy's Catholic School in Newark, NJ during her elementary years. She later graduated from Girls Vocational High School and continued her education at Katherine Gibbs School, where she prepared for a successful career in the corporate world.

Throughout her professional life, Michelle worked with several companies (NBA), Prudential, Honeywell, and Nabisco. She was known for her professionalism, and strong work ethic. In the late 90s, and early 2000s she would give birth to her two beloved children Ivana, and Matthew Axt. She made her home in Union, New Jersey, where she lived for more than 30 years. She attended Community Baptist Church in Montclair, NJ.

Michelle faced many health problems, and complications all the way until her death, but her faith in God served as her refuge, and hope in all those times. God always brought her though without fail. Make no mistake he brought her through this as well. God allowed her to be a wellspring that poured fourth joy, peace, and an unwavering love back onto family, and friends. Michelle’s life story is one of, love, joy, struggle, and a resilience that many would not be able to comprehend. Through it all, she never stopped being the strong, virtuous, joyful, loving soul that many knew her to be.

Michelle's greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her beloved children, Matthew Axt and Ivana Axt; her former husband, Mark Axt; her devoted mother, Maggie Jamison Kelly; her niece, Nikita, and great-niece, Athena; her aunt, Agnes; and her uncles, Thomas, Clarence Earl, and David Jamison. Her dear friends Kecia Artis, Ron, Nicole, Anne, Tachi, and Lisa, along with many other lives she touched with her kindness and compassion.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Michelle at the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union on Tuesday July 21 from 10am to 12 noon. A Funeral Service will be held at Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church, 2815 Morris Ave. Union at 12:15pm. Entombment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Park.

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. – Psalms 59:16