
Michelle “Mickey” Garamella
Michelle Frances Garamella, “Mickey”, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026 at the age of 77.
Michelle was the beloved mother of Peggy (the late Robert) Argast, dear grandmother of Nicholas Argast, dear sister of Julia (Tony) Leech and William Maher, dear aunt, cousin and friend to many.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Virginia (nee Irvin) Maher, and her God-daughter, Susan.
She spent most of her life in the medical field working various positions. If not at work Michelle would spend hours looking into genealogy leads, visiting cemeteries and found that her family settled around the Ste. Genevieve area. She also loved going on house tours just to view the original architecture and would make time for friends by going to lunch with them. She loved keeping busy!
Service: at St. Louis Cremation, 2135 Chouteau Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103, Thursday, August 27, 2:00 pm til 4:00 pm.
Donations to Annies Hope would be appreciated.

Mickey was a wonderful lady, who cherished her daughter Peggy and grandson Nicholas. We will miss her.
Chuck and Terri Argast
Mickey was a dear childhood friend. We had a lot in common and supported one another in our struggles in growing up. We shared common interests and information in genealogy and family. Mickey was a fun loving and tender-hearted person, and I have missed our talks on the phone. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to Peggy and Tony and Judy. May she rest in peace.
Lifting prayers for Peggy, Nick and other family and friends that loved Mickey.
As a friend of Peggy’s, I have seen first hand the devastation of Mickey’s dementia that had taken a toll on her. Mickey and Peggy were always best friend’s. Loosing your best friend to such a heart breaking disease is one of the hardest things you may ever go through. I am so sorry you had to experience this. Finally your mom is in the best place possible (heaven) with a clear mind and in great health
Peggy, thank you for all your hard work and love you provided to your mother during the challenging times. I know it was never easy, but your dedication was outstanding. I hope you realize just how special you are.
Peggy, knowing how humble you are, you wouldn’t dare ask for donations for the funeral service and the wonderful celebration of life party at Pietro’s. Knowing that Mickey did not have life Ins, I know all of these expenses are coming out of your pocket. I know the financial burden this causes. I know I am definitely going to donate money to assist you to pay for the special day you planned for you’re mama.
If anyone feels so inclined to follow suit that would be wonderful and the best way to honor Mickey and provide some relief for Peggy.
Peggy, I love you dearly my friend!
Michelle was a dear friend that I worked with at Incarnate Word Hospital. She made me laugh and had so many great stories about growing up in St Louis. We enjoyed going to lunch and visiting museums or house tours. She was a thoughtful caring friend that I cherished. I miss her dearly.
Mickey is and always will be my best friend❤️ i was the friend who came along when i was 19 and we hit it off immediately. Ive never laughed so much or had such great times with anyone! Now our friendship began after her childhood. The unspoken days of being in your 20’s before you settle down in your 40’s! So to tell you a great memory makes it hard because there were so many!!! Plus we swore each other to secrecy! My dear friend i will always love you and think of you everyday. I will be sad but know you will wait on me until i come in behind you one day. Be sure to have a casserole ready!! 😂. To Peggy and Nick I love you both we will all get through this on love and memories.
Mickey it was a pleasure having you in my life. Hopefully you’re at peace and pain free.
Rest in peace Mickey, Mickey started off being a friend to my sister more then me since I was some younger then they were. As time went on and I grew up Mickey and I also became friends, you could talk with her on the phone for two hours talking about old times and time just flew by. You were a kind and loving person who will be missed by many ❤️
I had the pleasure of living next to Michelle & Peggy and Nick the last 10 years. They welcomed me right away. And Michelle would stand outside and talk to me while I gardened. She’d tease me about always being in the yard. She told me stories about her growing up and I ALWAYS enjoyed our little visits. She was just the sweetest, & fiercely devoted to Peggy & Nick. Something that touched me the most was that she loved my dogs….And I know Lexy was waiting at the door for Michelle when she got to heaven.
May her memory be a blessing.