Michelle's sudden loss has left her family devastated. Please show your love and support through this fundraiser to ease their minds as they find their new normal.

Michelle Denise Barnish had many loves in her life. She adored her dogs: Scooter, Daisy, and Baby. She cherished her friends and family. She enjoyed yoga and was a voracious reader. Pink was her absolute favorite color, and she liked to have her “bling.” But it was her love for her job that tells you the most about her. Michelle was a preschool teacher and caring for the children in her charge was her greatest passion. The connection that she created with those children and their parents were some of the purest, most genuine bonds.

Michelle was a woman full of joy and life. She could bring up anyone’s day with a laugh just by being her. She was outgoing and friendly. She had a true light inside her that just radiated through her contagious smile.

Then, without any real warning, Michelle collapsed at work after telling a coworker she wasn’t feeling well. She had a heart attack. This healthy, active, vivacious 52-year-old woman was suddenly still. She spent a week in the hospital before moving to hospice where she was able to pass away in quiet comfort.

Michelle has left an indelible mark on the lives of those she cared for. She was a steadfast and fiercely loyal friend. She gave freely of her time and resources to help anyone who needed it. In the spirit of Michelle’s sweet and generous nature, please donate to this fund to help her family navigate her passing. This was such an unexpected and tragic loss; there was no time to prepare. Any amount will help ease the stress of her passing and will allow her family to focus on celebrating her wonderful life. This is a tangible way to show your love and support to Michelle’s family. Thank you for your kindness.

Friends and family are invited to gather from 12pm to 2pm on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home. A celebration of Michelle's wonderful life will follow at 2pm. Please be sure to wear pink!