Michelle Feldser Atwater

Michelle Feldser Atwater, 74, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at her home on Sunday, August 16, 2026, after a decade living with Parkinson’s disease.

She was the loving wife of Richard “Rick” Howe Atwater. The day before her passing, she and her family celebrated Rick and Michelle’s 54th wedding anniversary; they began dating in junior high school.

Born June 27, 1952, in Lancaster, she was the loving daughter of the late David Calvin Feldser and Gloria (Bair) Feldser.

Michelle was well known for her positive energy and glowing light. She was always kind and thoughtful; she had a large and giving spirit. She was perpetually positive and thoroughly enjoyed life with her family and friends. To everyone she met, she left a wonderful and radiant impression. Even through her ten-year battle with Parkinson’s, Michelle never complained and made every effort to spend time with those she loved. Her family will miss her love, kindness, grace, dignity, and courage beyond what words can express.

Michelle enjoyed bicycling, traveling, and most importantly, time with her family, especially her two children and five grandchildren. She was also an enthusiastic Philadelphia Eagles season ticket holder and enjoyed cheering on her favorite team. Her most beloved vacation was to the shore at Avalon, NJ, which she visited repeatedly, every year of her life.

She earned her bachelor’s degree at Elizabethtown College and devoted her professional career to accounting. She was a partner with Hess & Hess Certified Public Accountants and later a partner with Bertz, Hess & Company, now emc CPAs. Michelle’s daughter, Laura, followed in her professional footsteps and is currently a partner at emc. Mother and daughter worked together for over a decade before Michelle’s retirement.

Throughout her life, Michelle was deeply committed to her church and the Lancaster community. Like her mother, Michelle was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church for more than 62 years, where she served as Treasurer of the Presbyterian Women and Treasurer of the Board of Deacons.

Michelle generously shared her time, talents, and leadership with local organizations. She was a consistent supporter of the Samaritan Center, was involved with the Hospice Women’s Giving Circle, Schreiber’s Edna’s Angels, and served on the Board of Directors of The Arc of Lancaster County. She was also involved with the Lancaster Farmland Trust for more than 20 years, where she was a Board Member and Treasurer.

Helping others was an important part of Michelle’s life. She volunteered with Schreiber Pediatric Center and the Hempfield School District, generously contributing her time and talents.

Michelle will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her decades of service to her church and community, her strong work ethic, and her willingness to use her talents to help others. But more than anything, her devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren, all of whom she always prioritized above herself, is her most enduring legacy.

In addition to her husband, Richard Howe Atwater, Michelle is survived by children, Benjamin Howe Atwater (husband of Melissa) and Laura Atwater Bender (wife of Michael “Mic”); grandchildren, Michael Pierce Atwater, Alexis Whitney Atwater, Josie Michelle Atwater, Allison Kathryn Bender, and Kimberly Grace Bender, all of Lancaster, PA; brother, Michael William Feldser (husband of Deborah), of Malvern, PA.

A memorial service will be held at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 25 N. West End Ave., Lancaster, PA, on September 26 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Following the service, the family will host guests for a luncheon and reception at Josie’s Pub, 6049 Main St., East Petersburg, PA.

As a final act of generosity, Michelle donated her body to the Humanity Gifts Registry. Michelle’s family will privately lay her to rest with her parents at Conestoga Memorial Park.

Michelle’s family would like to thank her caregivers from Home Instead, Your Neighborhood Connection, and Hospice and Community Care for their excellent care in the final stages of her illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michelle’s memory to Bethany Presbyterian Church, 25 N. West End Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. To give an online condolence, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com.