Michelle Joanne Galvan

Michelle Joanne Galvan was born on November 28, 1961, in Missoula, Montana. She passed away surrounded by family in her home of 28 years on February 13, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona. Born to Eugene Thomas Cote and Alberta Lillian Cote, Michelle is survived by her husband Robert Monroe Galvan, her two sons Robert Monroe II, Christopher Michael, and her brother Greg (Laura).

Shortly after graduating from Hellgate High School in 1980, Michelle moved from Missoula to Las Vegas, Nevada where she enrolled at UNLV and studied art. She also pursued work in the travel industry, working for Princess Cruise lines, as well as catering in the hotel industry. While interviewing for a position at a new restaurant, she met her potential employer Robert Galvan, whom she was destined not to work for, but to work alongside for the next 40 years. Michelle and Robert would marry on December 14,1986, and welcomed their first son, Robert II, on July 16,1987. Their second son, Christopher, would complete their family on December 15,1989. Michelle and her family would make Arizona their home in 1990. It is here that Michelle and Robert would co-found and build their flooring businesses and raise their two boys. She fulfilled her role as wife and mother before all else. Michelle began her battle with breast cancer in 2014. During this time, she earned her BS in Public Administration from NAU, served on the Foster Care Review Board for the State of Arizona, volunteered with CTCA Cancer Fighters program to support patients through their own cancer battles, and relentlessly served those around her at every opportunity. She credits her husband Robert for bringing her to Christ, and she grew deeper in her faith through every high and low that life would bring her. She reaffirmed her commitment to Jesus through baptism days before she would join Him in Heaven. Michelle was blessed with a range of talents, but none more so than a servant’s heart. She lived a life full of travel and adventure, an ever-expanding circle of friends, and a love that touched all who knew her. She lived with Christ in her heart, and her unforgettable smile was a beacon of His light.

A funeral service for Michelle will be held Friday, February 21, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 6747 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206, followed by a reception from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. In honor of Michelle Galvan's life and Valiant fight, we ask that in lieu of flowers you make a donation to City of Hope Cancer Research. https://ourhope.cityofhope.org/fundraiser/6095357