Michelle C. Canty

Rye – Michelle Canty, 77 of Rye, died Tuesday, May 2, 2023 peacefully after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Michelle was born on July 22, 1945 in Boston, MA the daughter of Richard and Marion Chateauneuf and the eldest of four sisters. She graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s School in the class of 1963. Michelle enjoyed a long and successful career as a Realtor with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s in Rye, NH. She often remarked that she has been inside the majority of homes throughout the Seacoast and knew all their secrets. Many of her clients came away from their experience as friends and have reached out with many stories of her tenacity and good humor in securing the best homes for each of them. Michelle was passionate about spending time with her family and loved nothing more than when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her favorite title was that of “Nana” and she was frequently seen throughout New England at swim meets, lacrosse games, dance recitals, concerts or wherever her “Lovies” were. All winter long she was keen on knitting sweaters and hats for any babies in her life. In the springtime, she was in her yard tending to her flower gardens and happily watching her birds return to the feeders. Summertime was her favorite season as she found peace by the ocean with her toes in the sand. Throughout it all, she cherished sharing a lovely meal and a glass of wine (or a stiff vodka) and laughing until she cried. Michelle was an elegant woman and was admired by all those who knew her. Her legacy will live on in so many fantastic stories and in many, many hearts. Michelle leaves her husband Jack Canty of Rye, her two daughters, Carrie Gard Winter and her husband Michael of Venice, FL, Amy Gard Green and her husband Jamie and their three children of Rye Beach, two step-sons, Jason Canty and his wife Megan and their two children, of Eliot, ME, Aaron Canty and his wife Stephanie and their two children of Exeter, three sisters as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she cherished. She was predeceased by her beloved son, James Richard Gard, who undoubtedly greeted her with the warmest embrace. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 12:00 at Abenaqui Country Club in Rye Beach, the burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michelle’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association by clicking here

Michelle C. Canty

July 22, 1945 - May 2, 2023