Our beloved Michelle (lovingly known as “lobster”) unexpectedly passed away April 15, 2022 at home in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Born June 16,1977 in Escondido, California to Thomas Francis Delaney, Jr. and Penelope Jean Syper. She married Mark VanLaningham in 1997, later divorcing. She married the love of her life, Dr. Scott Kiser on January 24, 2018.
Michelle was an East Coast girl through and through . She graduated from Bruton High School in Williamsburg, VA where she was a member of the National Honor Society, attended the United Nations Youth World University, and excelled in the Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra and Marching Band where she played the saxophone.
Michelle loved the outdoors. She was an accomplished wilderness expert, beginning her training as an Explorer Scout when the program was first opened to girls. She quickly became President of her post and eventually she worked her way up to the position of Explorer’s President of the Council for the Colonial Virginia Council.
She attended Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and participated with the First All Female Trail Crew that did repair improvements on 125 miles of backcountry wilderness trails. She returned to Philmont the following summer to attend Rayado to build the advanced outdoor skills and confidence needed to lead groups in the backcountry and qualify as a Youth Ranger. After high school, Michelle attended The University of Montana where she advanced her training in Wilderness and Wildlife Economics and Management .
Michelle was a beautiful woman inside and out. She lit up any room she entered and was a beloved friend. She was a very quick learner and not afraid to get dirty and dig into any project . She was better than any handyman and could even change her own brakes. Just give her a service manual, spec sheet or the internet and she could fix anything. When her dishwasher went out she diagnosed the problem, ordered the part and had it fixed in no time. She was also very giving of her resources and time. She had a passion for helping others, especially young children. She led Bible study in her own home and in 2018 was honored as Utah’s Volunteer of the year. Most of her recent volunteer work was in the area of Youth Swimming in the State of Utah. Michelle spent countless hours assisting athletes from across the state, mostly in refereeing meets at all levels. She worked hard and obtained her National Certification in officiating. She had a special ability to run a smooth meet surrounded by chaos. Hundreds of wet swimmers, attentive coaches and sometimes challenging parents didn’t phase her laser-like focus . She was most proud of her most recent accomplishment earning the position of Meet Director for all championship meets held in the state of Utah.
A plaque proudly displayed in our kitchen says “Michelle’s Kitchen established 2018”. Michelle designed and build a kitchen of her dreams to complemented her zest for cooking . She loved to sip on a glass of wine as she prepared her current culinary masterpieces and would often make us all laugh when she would taste a sample and say “damn sometimes I even impress myself “. The majority of her kitchen skills were self leaned by trial and error but she choose to further her skills with a culinary degree from the Salt Lake Culinary Institute. Michelle loved fine food and challenged herself to replicate a meal served at high end restaurants. It wasn’t uncommon for her to ask to speak with the chef to inquire how certain dishes were prepared . If May take her a time or two but she wouldn’t give up until she was happy with her pirated creation
She is survived by her husband, Scott, and her daughters, Hannah Minter (Allen), Rebekah, Helen, and Adah. Michelle is also survived by her parents, Thomas and Penny, brother Thomas F Delaney III, her nephew Thomas F Delaney IV, and her zoo of furry and feathered creatures , Murphy Jackson, Ghost, North, Winston, Willow, Treko, Daisy and a backyard full of chickens (her ladies) bees and koi fish .
A celebration of life ceremony will be held in her honor at Larkin Sunset Gardens, located at 1950 East 10600 South Sandy, Utah 84092. Services will begin at 2PM on Saturday, April 23, 2022.
Scott and Girls!
My heart is broken! My beautiful cousin, Michelle! Sending lots of love and prayers! Please know that you all have been in our thoughts and prayers! Love to all
Michelle was ALWAYS an advocate for our outreach swim program, Race Swami, located on the westside of SLC. On behalf of the SWAMIs, we are so heartbroken and will miss "the nice lady" (as our kids referred to Michelle this past October at the Día de Los Muertos, where she served as our head official) immensely... Michelle was always known — and always will be remembered — as a superstar. Though we will all miss your smile to be sure, the heavens above are now blessed with your warm and infectious grin. Our collective heart goes out to the Delaney Kiser VanLaningham Family.
Our deepest condolences Scott to you and your family. May the journey into her next life be one of joy and happiness. We send our love and our prayers to you.
To a great couple.our love
Michelle was such a bright light in Utah swimming. She brought friendship, warmth, humor and a beautiful sense of calm to every pool deck. My very deepest condolences to her family.
Scott and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayer and thoughts with you.
Scott & Family,
We are so heart broken to hear of Michelle's passing, she was such a beautiful, kind and loving woman.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss.
LeiAnn Bathemess & Family
Our hearts and prayers go out to you, Scott and the girls. There are no words to describe how sad we are this has happened. Michelle was a great friend and mentor. She will be missed by so many on so many levels for so many reasons.
May Michelle continue to live on in all of us in our hearts and through our actions.
We are here for you and the girls in any way you all need us. We love you all.
Love Tom
I send my prayers and support to all the family of Michelle, especially the girls Hannah and Adam during this difficult time.
From : Renata de Almeida mom
Joaquim de Almeida David CHAT
Valentina de Almeida David CHAT/ BHS
Dr. Kiser and family,
My heart goes out to you and your family during this time.
Tom and penny are heart goes out to you though aren't it words for us to give you just know that there is lots of lug hugs and prayers your way
Tom and penny are heart goes out to you though aren't it words for us to give you just know that there is lots of lug hugs and prayers your way
I’m deeply saddened and My prayers are with you all… May you all find peace knowing she is in the arms of our Lord. Please stay strong 🙏🏻
Scott and Family-we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you to keep Michelle in your hearts and souls, wrapping you in warmth, light, love and laughter. Michelle will be missed.
Heidi Lane and Family
Scott
I am very sorry for your loss
There are tough times ahead you are not alone
Arthur sr
To Michelle's family,
We are so very sorry for your loss and saddened by our loss of this amazing person. Michelle was always so helpful, willing to teach, and a good friend. Her fun presence and beautiful smile will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Love,
Theresa, Adelaide, and Everett Gassman
Dr. Scott Kiser,
My deepest sympathy’ to you and your family with the loss of your darling sweetheart wife!
I remember meeting you at the dentist office on a Sunday for a tooth problem. Your wife came with you. I remember experiencing such a warm beautiful connection between the two of you! This is heartbreaking!
Wishing you peace and comfort at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time!
Love and prayers sent your way,
Susan Anderson
To Michelle’s wonderful daughters, we were so saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a great person to have for a neighbor. Always so willing to help out and participate in any way she could. You girls are our special friends forever. May the Lord bless you as you mourn the loss of your mom. Stay strong.
We Love you,
Mary and Rich Steinkopf
To Scott Hannah, Rebeka, Helen, and Aida. My heart goes out to you at this time for the loss of your wife/mom. May God give your strength to go through this difficult time. Michelle was such a lovely woman and so caring not to mention beautiful and smart. We all will miss her gorgeous SMILE. I hope that you continue to keep her memories alive by remembering the great person she was and the wonderful things she accomplished. My love to you all. ❤️🙏
My deepest condolences to Michelle's daughters and family.
Michelle was an exceptional person, and this world is a little dimmer without her light present.
Your mother was kind, funny, silly and loved you 4 girls with everything she had. Heaven gained an Angel last week.
You have my love, prayers and sincere condolences.
All my love,
Lynne
Scott and girls,
Your mom/wife was a rare gem! When light hits a rare gem, millions of shards of light are reflected everywhere! Your mom/wife’s light touched everyone she came in contact with! I was one of the lucky ones to feel it! Girls your moms light resides inside you, don’t ever forget that!
Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!
love always, Lela Hiatt
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with all of you during this time. To all of her beautiful girls, there is no doubt it is tough right now. With listing hearts and loving guidance from family and friends you will be strong like your mom.
The waterworks will turn on when least excepted and sometimes you don’t know why and than a memory comes up and that’s why. It’s ok to ask friends and family to sit and talk or get up and dance with you. Your mom was a very beautiful lady inside and out.
Sending our sincerest condolences, with love and comfort.
Ari, Dawn, & Aryauna Aryazand
A wonderful woman and friend. All my love to you guys. - Pastor Jason