Michele Rhine

Michele Pico Rhine (nee  Garafolo) of Leesburg, VA passed away on Tuesday morning, October 24th, 2017. She passed peacefully surrounded by her beloved husband of 18 years, Michael; son, Marc; and daughter-in-law, Lei.

Visitation at the Galante Funeral Home 2800 Morris Ave, Union, NJ on Sunday from 1 to 4 PM. A wake service will be held at 3:30 PM. Cremation is Private.

Michele was born and raised in the Ironbound section of Newark and was a true “Jersey Girl” all her life. Her friends and loved ones will most remember her as a loyal friend and spouse, for her direct and authentic communication, for her elegant fashion and sense of style, and for how uncompromising she was in her beliefs. She cared deeply for animals of all kinds, especially cats, and generously supported numerous animal charities and causes all her life. Michele was fiercely true to herself in all things, often heard saying, “I have to be me!” She was an example of how to live life for the moment, to the fullest, and without compromise. A shining star in any room she walked into, Michele left a mark on all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Rhine; cherished son, Marc Pico; treasured daughter-in-law, Lei Pico; and beautiful grandchildren, Anthony Xuelin Pico and Gisele Michele Pico. She is predeceased by her father, Salvatore “Sonny” Garafolo; mother, Alice Kalinovich; and brother, Bruce Garafolo. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Loudoun County Humane Society, http://humaneloudoun.org/ .