Michelle Lee Pope

Michelle Lee Pope, 51, of Altoona Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Friday, April 3, 2026 surrounded by her family at her home in Altoona.

Michelle was born on July 12,1974 in Altoona to Ernest Pope Jr and Arlene (Nagle) Warner. Michelle attended the Life Skills program at Altoona Area High School where she graduated in 1995. After graduation, Michelle attended Skills of Central Pennsylvania where she made many lifelong friends until her "retirement" in 2019.

Michelle had a smile that could warm the coldest room and a soul that felt only love for the people she was around. Together, with her best friend "Buddy" they brought out the best in people. Whether a trip to the beach, a swim in the pool, a stroll through the zoo or just simply coloring and building puzzles, Buddy was always there. Through the good times and the bad, the memories made were what carried her through.

Michelle was preceded in death by her father Ernest Pope Jr, a brother Robert Pope Sr, paternal grandparents Ernest Pope Sr and Marguerite (Peggy) Pope, maternal grandparents Donald E and Norma Jean Nagle, paternal aunt Lisa Rickabaugh, paternal uncle Todd Pope, maternal uncles Michael Nagle, Craig Nagle, Donald Berry and a Cousin Trisha Hoffman.

Michelle is survived by her Mother Arlene Warner of Altoona, Stepfather Tom Strayer of Tyrone, a brother Ernest Pope III (Sharon) of Hollidaysburg, a stepbrother Matthew Strayer of Pittsburgh, a nephew Austin Pope of Indiana Pa, a nephew Holdon Pope (Kylee) of Altoona, a niece Sydney Pope (Isaac) of Altoona, Aunt Linda Berry of Maryland, Uncles David (Rosie) Pope of Altoona, Glenn Davis of Pottsville Pa, Richard (Nyla) Pope of Oregon, Scott Pope of Altoona, William Pope of Altoona, Donald Jr (Darlene) Nagle of Altoona, Kenneth (Jenny) Nagle of  Altoona, Ronald (Lynn) Nagle of Altoona and many cousins , great nieces, and great nephews and lifelong friends who became family along the way.

Michelle was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church in Altoona where she attended services with her mom and buddy faithfully. 

Family and friends will be received for a public viewing from 3 to 5 PM & 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Leslie Axe Funeral Home, 1520 fourth Street Altoona PA 16601. 

A Funeral  will take place on Thursday, April 9 at 1 PM at the Axe in Santella family Chapel, 1534 4th St. Altoona PA 16601, with interment privately at Calvary Cemetery at the family's convenience. 

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