Michele Ann Uglesich, a dedicated advocate for the vulnerable, passed away at her home on February 19, 2026, following a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 46 years old. Michele’s journey through life was marked by her deep connections to her diverse cultural backgrounds and her unwavering commitment to social work.
Born in Harbor City, Michele spent significant years of her youth in Puerto Rico, where her family relocated in 1986. This period profoundly shaped her identity, fostering a lifelong appreciation for Puerto Rican culture and nurturing a loyal network of friends. Michele also took immense pride in her Croatian heritage and her roots in the San Pedro community.
Michele’s academic achievements were notable. She earned her undergraduate degree from UC San Diego in 2001, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from New York University in 2003. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over twenty years, she served in both New York and California, focusing her efforts on advocating for marginalized individuals and ensuring they received the support they needed.
Throughout her illness, Michele was driven by her greatest love, her daughter, Zoë. The bond they shared provided her with strength during challenging times. She was surrounded by a vast network of family and friends who offered their unwavering support throughout her battle with cancer.
Michele is survived by her husband, Patrick Strattner; her beloved daughter, Zoë, aged six; her parents, Roko and Ecija Uglesich; her brothers, Robert and Michael; her niece and goddaughter, Agatha; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends across Southern California and Croatia.
Her legacy is one of compassion, commitment, and kindness. Michele will be remembered for her dedication to helping others and the impact she made on those around her.
The funeral Mass is scheduled for March 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in San Pedro, followed by inurnment at Green Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged in Michele’s name to organizations that support breast cancer awareness and research, including METAvivor, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and Bright Spot Network, or to Saint Anthony’s Church in Veli Rat, Croatia.
Michele Uglesich’s impact on her community and her dedication to social work will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
