Michele Elizabeth Odenweller Wingerter, age 67, of Highlands, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 4, 2026.
Michele was born Nov. 20, 1958, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Elizabeth and Richard Odenweller. She grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania, then moved to New York City and graduated from LIM College.
Michele spent many years in the fashion industry, primarily at Brooks Brothers, before transitioning to real estate. She lived in Fair Haven for over 20 years, keeping an eye on the town from her desk overlooking River Road.
She enjoyed cooking, flowers, antiques, pink, “her favorite puppy” Remi, summers by the beach (but never actually touching the sand), Thanksgiving in New York City and accidentally wearing matching outfits with her daughter.
She is survived by her parents, Elizabeth and Richard Odenweller of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania; her daughter Grace Wingerter (James) of Fair Haven; two brothers, Richard (Karen) of Reading, Pennsylvania, and Kevin (Brenda) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and sister Rhonda (Pete) Wawrzyiniak of Reading. She was predeceased by her sister Kathleen Odenweller.
A memorial visitation will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michele’s memory to Lunch Break at lunchbreak.org.
The article originally appeared in the October 8 – 14, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
