Michaela Y Bogon

On Monday, June 9th, the world lost one of its most incredible young souls. Michaela Yvette Bogon, 19, passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her.

Born on June 30, 2005, in Hamilton Township, Michaela was a graduate of Collingswood High School and attended Virginia Tech, where she studied engineering.

Although Michaela’s life was cut far too short, her 19 years were filled with happiness, laughter, and love. She lived life fearlessly, and sometimes clumsily. Even though she broke so many bones that she earned the nickname “baby giraffe,“ Michaela never let anything hold her back. She played by her own rules, and if necessary, she played the cancer card too… earning her several fish, a pet frog, and a trip to Puerto Rico.

Michaela was not one to relish in a lavish lifestyle, but she was a connoisseur of blankets, sneakers, and bucket hats. She found happiness in simple things: game nights with family, late nights in the Virginia Tech dorms, getting her nails done, sunning and surfing on the beach in Ventnor, habichi with childhood friends, driving her jeep, building Legos, and relaxing in her unicorn float in the Caymans.

In recent months, her happy place was at home with her “ride or die” Boston terrier, Violet (aka piggy or snuggles). If they weren’t cheering on the Phillies or the VT softball team, Michaela and Violet could be found cuddled together watching an endless number of Disney movies or Food Network shows. Who would have ever guessed the little girl on the “tan food diet” would talk about trying frog legs and would mix flavors like teriyaki noodles, egg, and sunflower kernels? Although truth be told, her favorite meals (Chick-fil-A, ramen, pork dumplings, and Alfredo pasta) were still tan foods.

Michaela was intelligent and quick-witted, knowing how to keep herself out of trouble while simultaneously getting her brothers into it. She was caring, compassionate, and kind-hearted… as long as you stayed on her good side. She was once described as a rose: always beautiful, but sometimes prickly.

In life’s most unfair turn of events, Michaela was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on December 7, 2022, and fought this unrelenting disease with every ounce of her strength. Michaela once described her super power as resiliency; nothing could be more true. While others may have given in, Michaela refused to let cancer define her. Fueled by her dark humor, she was catalyzed to make the most of whatever time she had left. Knocking item by item off her “bucket list,” she visited Puerto Rico, swam with sharks in Hawaii, got her butterfly tattoo, and went away to Virginia Tech (to name a few). May her power, drive, and determination continue to inspire us.

Left to cherish her memory are her parents, Jacquelyn & Matt Harter; brothers, Anthony “Zephyr” Harter & Paul “Dave” Bogon III; grandparents, Yvette “Neena” (Joseph) DeBronzo, Michael (Mary) Storms, Kathy Harter, and Susie Bogon; great-grandmother Betty Hartke; aunts and uncles, Julia (Alexander) Hamilton, Cara (Evan) Hecker, Brandon Storms, and Connor Storms; cousins Nathan, Joshua, & Lukas Hecker; and countless family members and friends. She is predeceased by her father, Paul “Paulie” Bogon Jr, and her grandfathers, Paul “Sonny” Bogon Sr and Jerry Harter.

Michaela was not born to fit in; she was made to shine. She lived every day to its fullest and would want us to do the same. Please join us as we gather to celebrate Michaela's life & memory. Please dress tastefully casual & colorful. As Michaela would want, fun sneakers are strongly encouraged. A celebration of life will be held on June 28th from 3:00-6:00 PM at Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes, 400 White Horse Pike, At the Corner of Haddon St. &, White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, NJ 08107. A selection of her favorite foods and drinks will be served throughout the afternoon.

To share your fondest memories and favorite stories that celebrate Michaela, please click here to share them with her family: MY MEMORIES WITH MICHAELA

In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the Michaela Bogon Memorial Fund so that other innovative minds may follow in her footsteps. 940 Maple Ave. Collingswood, NJ 08108.

#crerancelebration #heartfelt

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