Obituary of Michelle L. Ragula

Michelle L. Ragula (nee Friedman), 71, of Manalapan passed away at home on Sunday, December 3, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with progressive lung disease.  Born in Brooklyn, she lived in East Northport, NY and New Brunswick, NJ before settling in Manalapan in 1972. Michelle was an educator in the New York City Public School System, a volunteer domestic violence counselor and board member on the Juvenile Conference Committee, Monmouth County.  She possessed musical and athletic talent. Michelle will be remembered as a phenomenal cook and hostess, and a loving mentor to her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her brother, Laurence Friedman in 2016. Michelle is survived by her husband, Richard Ragula of Manalapan; her children, Saundra Kanner-Sparks of Manalapan, Aaron Kanner and his wife, Kelly of GA; grandchildren, Elyse Kanner and Sean Sparks; sisters, Toby and her husband, Dr. Barry Grabelle of Tinton Falls, and Janet Chinelli and her husband, Dr. Fredric Harris of NYC; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 11:00 AM funeral service at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michelle’s name to the American Lung Association, 1600 Route 22 East, Union, NJ 07083 or the CentraState Healthcare Foundation, 225 Willow Brook Road, Suite 5, Freehold Township, NJ 07728. For information, directions or condolence messages, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.