February 15, 1977 – August 25, 2015
Michelle was born on February 15, 1977 (our little Valentine) in the Foothills Hospital in Calgary. Except for a short relocation to Victoria, B.C. from 1979 to 1980, Michelle was an Alberta Girl.
Her education started at “Highwood Elementary” in the French Immersion program, continued at “Mayland Heights", “G.P. Vanier” and she graduated from “Crescent Heights High School”. Michelle somehow also managed to squeeze in playing the saxophone with the “Calgary Round-Up Band” during junior high.
Michelle started into the work force at “Willy’s Hamburgers”, where she was dismissed for giving away “free” food at the take-out window. She always had a big heart! There was also brief employment at “KFC”. It was on to flower arranging in a shop at the Palliser Hotel, “Grower Direct” and “Oasis”. We can’t forget “Fabricland” in Northeast Calgary, too.
To further her creative passion Michelle enrolled in the arts program at A.C.A.D (Alberta College of Art and Design). She graduated with a “Bachelor of Design” degree. She was also a member of the “Graphic Designers of Canada” and had her own website.
She held positions at “Safeway”, “Skinnyfish Media”, “Talisman Sports Centre” and the “Kensington Pub”, where she served up plenty of food and libation.
Michelle truly found her calling when she was hired as a flight attendant by “SkyService” and worked for three winter seasons on charter flights to warm, sunny destinations. She looked so proud in their red company uniform and bright red LIPSTICK!
Then… “WestJet” happened! The first winter of employment with “WestJet” Michelle flew strictly to the Hawaiian destinations of Honolulu and Maui. During her lay-overs she took deep sea diving and received her certification. Michelle made friends with soooo many people from the industry that winter.
It was on one of her pairings in September 2012 that Michelle met Jamie. They flew into St. Lucia, and then a crew-repositioning flight took them to Barbados, where they danced the night away!
On their first date Jamie asked Michelle to come to Thunder Bay (YQT) for Thanksgiving. That date lasted for five days! Michelle loved to spend time with his family there at “Sandpiper Farm”.
Michelle and Jamie opened their hearts to a small dog, named “Cash”. His big personality and shenanigans made them laugh often.
After Michelle fell ill and had to step away from her flying career in January 2014 she and Jamie still managed to get away to Ireland for the “World Airline Road Race”.
Grand Cayman Island was next, where Michelle and Jamie were united in marriage on February 16, 2015. Michelle took one more flight in August to Thunder Bay to celebrate their marriage at the farm. It was a perfect day with children, flowers, music, sparklers, bubbles, Chinese lanterns, the Northern Lights dancing and every star in the sky twinkling. Amazingly awesome just like Michelle!
Michelle, Jamie and Cash returned to Calgary on Wednesday, August 19. Michelle’s health started to fail quickly, and she passed away at 12:33 p.m. on August 25 in the presence of family and friends.
Michelle is lovingly remembered by her true love and best friend, husband Jamie Miller and their little dog “Cash”; her mother Alexandra Malone, father Norman Stevens and his companion Ulrike Holgersen: her sister Amarah and brothers Andrew and Kenzie. Stepfather Steve Doudican and stepbrother Dustin, the Malone aunts and uncles Randy, Leigh, Karen, Kyle, Shawn, Corey, Maxine, Michelle, Jack, Megan and their spouses and cousins and by the Stevens family Carolyn, Preston and Nancy and their spouses and cousins.
Michelle was warmly embraced by the Miller family; Parents Marilyn and Alvin, sister Liz and brother Chris (Jenn) and their children Sarah and Shawn and the loving extended family.
She was predeceased by her grandparents Petee and Hal Malone and Shirley and Rollie Stevens.
Thank you to Dr. Patterson and the whole team who cared for Michelle through her illness. Thank you also to her palliative care nurse Darcia.
A huge thank you to WestJet and the “WestJet family” for showing their “True Blue Colours” at this difficult time; to Eryn Hull, Jenn Hislop, Jennie Clarke and so many others, too numerous to mention, for their kindness and tireless assistance throughout Michelle’s journey and passing. Know that you ALL have our deepest appreciation.
A Celebration of Michelle’s Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Monday, August 31, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Please wear bright clothing. Flowers are welcome or donations in Michelle’s name may be made directly to the Tom Baker Centre, 1331- 29 St N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, http://albertacancer.ca/tom-baker-cancer-centre. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca
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