GREENFIELD, Wis. — A beloved mother and teacher was killed after being hit by a reported drunk driver in Cudahy.
"Michelle was the most giving woman," Adam Engman told TMJ4 News.
Engman is numb after losing his wife Michelle. The two met at Marquette University in 1994. They were married for 26 years and had two beautiful children together, Adam and Kateri. Engman says the way that Michelle lived her life pushed him to be better.
"I'm just overwhelmed, and I know we have an incredible support system. We're going to get through this. It's just a lot of pain right now," Engman said.
On Dec. 6, Engman said Michelle was running late to meet the family at a church Christmas party. When she did not show up after 40 minutes they struggled to contact her.
"Finally when I called, someone picked up and it was an officer. He gave me the news and said I need to go to Froedtert," Engman recalled. "That point was when I felt the change in our lives."
Watch: Beloved teacher and wife killed after reported drunk driving crash
Cudahy police say Michelle was driving east on Van Norman Avenue when a 27-year-old man from Oak Creek blew through a stop sign at Lipton Avenue and t-boned her car. Investigators say that driver was intoxicated, and that it was not his first drunk driving offense.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office has filed charges against Troy Jacob Vaillancourt, 27. He's facing one count of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, while having prior intoxicant-related conviction/revocation.
"A great injustice was done to Michelle. She didn't deserve it," Adam stated. "Couple days ago, I wanted to crawl up in a ball, close the door, close the blinds and just lay there and cry and give up, that’s something that I’ve struggled with."
Michelle taught in the St. Francis Public School District for 12 years where she grew close to her students and their families.
"It was her kindness," said Superintendent Deb Kerr. "She was always invited to their birthday parties or family gatherings outside of school."
Engman says Michelle's faith was strong. She was involved in the Catholic community in several ways always helping anyone who asked.
The way Michelle stands for love is the reason why Engman finds a way to forgive the driver who took her life.
"From there I pray, and I hope that he can turn his life around," Engman said. "I wrestle with it, but Michelle is like that beacon of light, and I believe she's pushing me in the right direction."
Even in death, Michelle continues to help others through organ donation.
"There were some recipients that have already benefited. I hope they have a wonderful Christmas and I'm so thankful that she's able to live on in that way and to bless others," Engman said.
Relatives created this verified GoFundMe account to help the Engman family with medical and funeral expenses.
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