I put the word "cousin" in quotations because she wasn't really my cousin. I think Michele was a cousin of a first cousin's father. I never thought about actually figuring it out and I just rushed to "claim" Michele. I'm Mexican so I've been told I'm allowed to do that: claim a person is my cousin even though they aren't related to me by blood. If you knew Michele you would want to claim her too.
Michele was smart, observant, warm, vibrant, fun, adventurous, quick-witted, and hilarious. She was stylish and you could tell she had quirky but excellent taste in everything. When you met Michele you'd feel immediately better even if you weren't feeling bad. When you met Michele you couldn't help but think: "When I grow up I want to be like Michele!" When you met Michele you wanted to keep meeting her.
After news of her passing spread across my Facebook I frantically began to Google her because I couldn't believe it was true. I think several of her fans and friends felt the same way.
Then I read the memories people were posting on her Facebook and I thought about what I could add. Finally, I settled on making sure she would be heard here on the Erie shore. I'd get a copy of How to be a Chicana Role Model and put it in our town's Little Free Library.
The copy came from California neatly wrapped in bright pink paper. This delighted me and felt fitting because here was the first instruction for the memorial service that was held over the weekend:
"1. dress code - Chicana Role Model Rule #805 - always wear your Easter best to Michele's celebration this Saturday. Color and boldness are encouraged. There might be a prize for the best hat? Suit? Dress? (points will be taken away from those that arrive in the gloomy black and white - not what Michele Serros wants to see)"
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