Michele J. Encoignard, “Doctor Michele,”

Michele J. Encoignard, “Doctor Michele,” died of ovarian cancer on February 6, 2022.  She was 63.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseline and Claude Encoignard.  She is survived by her husband, Doug Swift, her son, Blake Swift, her sister and husband, Claudette and Tom Stanions, and her nieces, Daniele Bishop (Stanions) and Joelle Griffin (Stanions).

Michele was born in Paris, France.  Her family emigrated to the United States when she was 5.  Her mother worked as a cook and her father as a butler for wealthy families in Rhode Island and Long Island.  They settled down with one family, the Littauers, in Syosset, New York, in what Michele considered to be her childhood home.

Eventually her mother became too ill to work.  Medical doctors told Joseline she would be disabled for the rest of her life. Joseline, a woman with no formal education, but great curiosity and drive, sought answers from natural practitioners, and soon regained her health and began working again. It is from this experience that Michele would discover natural health care, a field she would dedicate her life to.

Michele received her Chiropractor’s license from Palmer in 1988.  She worked in a high-volume chiropractic office and found that this was not her vision.  She quit that job and went to work in a health food store.  It was during this period that she met her husband-to-be, Doug Swift.

Michele then created the kind of practice she really wanted to offer: a low volume, affordable practice that specialized in holistic care based on good nutrition.  The Zanesville Natural Health Center operated for over 20 years, and it was during this practice that she earned the name “Doctor Michele.”

She was a fierce advocate for the local food movement in Muskingum County, scouting out farmers with organic and low-chemical practices, then sending her patients to buy from them as she herself did.  She was also a huge supporter of farmers’ markets.

She planted beautiful gardens in front of her home, loved to sew, read good novels, make the old French dishes that her mom used to cook, and go for walks with her rescue dog, Figgy.

Her support of her husband, Doug Swift, in his work as an independent documentary filmmaker was critical to the development of his career.  And her support of her son, her greatest creation, was essential in allowing him to trust his passion to find his path in life.

The depth and commitment of “Dr. Michele’s” practice revealed itself during her journey with cancer.  Many of her patients became her support system, helping out around the house and office, bringing meals, guiding her with creative projects, helping with health care.  As one stated, “She was my rock when I needed her, now I want to be her rock.”  Another, commenting on how Michele always accepted her diagnosis with clear eyes, always made decisions based on her principles, said, “I always leave her house inspired.”

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 19, at Faith United Methodist in Zanesville.  Visiting hour will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., memorial service will begin at 11.  Refreshments will be served afterwards.  This will be a service Michele helped plan in her final days.  By her request, masks will be required to protect those most vulnerable to Covid.  For those who prefer, or those out of town, the service will be streamed on WebEx: https://faithfirstunitedmethodistchurch.my.webex.com/faithfirstunitedmethodistchurch.my/j.php?MTID=m642ca5bd24b7058ff190ca5fb0e81002

Michele and family request that donations be made in her name to the Mission Oaks Gardens.