Michelle was the youngest (by six minutes) of our four children. She was an identical twin, and she used this to her advantage growing up — notably in high school, where she regularly switched schedules with her sister Danielle, attending those classes that she enjoyed more; the teachers had no clue! (She kept this up as an adult, using Danielle’s Costco membership card on a few occasions!)
Michelle loved Montana. She came here as a young adult to attend college, and stayed. She loved Montana small towns, their atmosphere and sense of community — especially in Clancy, where she resided. She was an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsperson, taking hikes with her children and grandchildren and huckleberry picking, then using the huckleberries to make pancakes the next morning. She lived life to the fullest!
And Michelle loved children. She graduated from Carroll College with a bachelor’s degree in education,and taught Spanish at East Helena Middle School. She worked for many years as a Child Protective Services caseworker and then as a social services specialist with Child and Family Services. She always advocated for children’s well-being, never missing a rally to stand up for and voice her support for social equality.
Most of all, she loved her family. Her whole adult life was centered around her children; Austin (Laramie), Kennedy, Brayden, Kaynen and Sienna and of course her little sunshine grandchildren Hayvn and Korbyn. Their happiness was her top priority. She was a volunteer youth soccer coach for many years and followed professional soccer like no other!
Michelle loved and was loved. With her beautiful smile that would light up a room, she was a gentle, loving, caring soul who would do anything for you without expecting anything in return. We will forever miss her.
