Michele Montgomery — a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and dear friend to many – passed in her home on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2019, a day beloved to her heart.

Michele will be greatly missed. Her loving and playful spirit reached so many people. As a teacher, Michele had a gift for being a transformative teacher who knew how to connect with children. When it was hard to reach a child, she always sought another way, even if it meant becoming a Warriors basketball fan so she could share in something that a child was excited about. She wanted children to know they had a gift to contribute to this world.

Her family also meant a great deal to her. While no family goes without challenges, her nurturing love never wavered. She brought silliness, kindness, enthusiasm, creativity, tradition and non-tradition, spontaneity, celebration and blatant honesty into her family life. These characteristics also threaded through her friendships resulting in many people who hold her dear to their hearts.

Michele found a profound relationship with Jesus later in her life, enriching her spiritual path and giving her a warrior strength during her journey with cancer. Michele brought a light into our hearts from the beginning through the end of her life here on earth. We were blessed to have Michele in our lives. Moving forward we can continue to live her legacy of light in our hearts and continue sharing it with others. Nothing would make Michele happier.

Michele will be joining those who preceded her in death, including her grandson, Grady Martin; sister Kim Montgomery; grandparents, Lillian and Russell Sanders, Peg and William “Pop” Montgomery; aunts and uncles Lois and Dale “Smitty” Smith, Dean Sanders, Curt Myers, and Jim Estep; cousin Steve Lillegard.

Michele is survived by her ex-husband Sean Garaghan and their children, Jennifer Gali and Aubrey Garaghan; grandchildren, Liam, Darby, and Avery Martin; parents Bruce and Bonnie Montgomery; sister and brother-in-law, Dawn and Daniel Davis; sister-in-law Tracy Garaghan; aunts, Beverly Myers, Janet Estep, Marcia Sanders, and Carol Levy; cousins Mike and Scott Levy, Linda Sweeney, Patty Cook, Virginia Garnica, Janice, Jimmy, Richard, and Bobby Montgomery, Kathy Moose, Tim West, Jerry Dale, Bill, John and Bruce Smith, Jean Huff, Mary “Chick” Johnson, Barb Franklin, Lori Lamb; nieces and nephews, Ari Shelton, Donald Poshin, Kim Wilson, Lauren Davis, Ronell Gress, Laurel Rennacker, and Ian Scharaga. Long-time friends throughout Michele’s history of life include, Theresa Rivero-Sapp, Adrienne Kasco, Dan Wycoff, Ron Schaffner, Gary and Denise Mezzanares. Michele and her family were also fortunate to be graced with two loving individuals, Angie Stewart and Shandon Crawford, who became family adoptees, sharing memorable times with Michele, as well as being there to help the family with her care on a daily basis. Pastor Kathryn Dunning, also close with Michele, continuously shared of herself providing ongoing friendship and support. Her church family and Cursillo family both filled her life with joy and purpose.

A Celebration of Life service will be officiated by Pastor Kathryn Dunning followed by merriment festivities honoring Michele’s request at Eureka First United Methodist Church, 520 Del Norte Street, Eureka, 95501 on December 7, 2019 at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Redwood Adult and Teen Challenge, 2212 Second Street, Eureka, CA 95501 noting in memory of Michele Montgomery. Thank you.

We love you forever, Michele!

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Michele Montgomery’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.