It is with deep regret and sadness that we must announce the passing of our beloved Michelle Elizabeth Ann Maxwell (nee Goodwin) on August 14, 2013 in Calgary from a tragic accident, one day before her 34th birthday. Her friendly, compassionate and strong willed nature helped her to make friends easily and she fell in love with people and they with her.
Born in Moncton, she was the daughter of Don Goodwin and the late Judy Gagnon Goodwin.
Michelle graduated from Riverview High School and went on to study Hospitality and Tourism at Atlantic Business College. Her first job was at a bookstore, then McDonald's and a number of Call Centres. Tired of Call Centres, she decided to move on to the Superstore, eventually transferring to Calgary where she worked at several of their locations, including helping to get a new one started in Fort McMurray. Eventually she moved on to work for Direct Plus Food Group, and left there in November 2012 to work for the MI Group (moving specialists). She dreamed of opening her own cafe in the mountains one day.
Life was an adventure that Michelle lived to the fullest. The call of the mountains drew her to Alberta, far from her family, but she established a new "family" of friends. She was a mother figure to many; cooking and decorating for holidays, to ensure everyone enjoyed the time as much as possible. She traveled extensively at an early age, including Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Florida, Utah and across Canada. She lived for the outdoors; hiking, backpacking, climbing, camping, bicycling, running, and snowboarding. She was so proud of her motorcycle. She adored her dog Chico and cat Lenore.
She will be deeply missed by her boyfriend and beloved companion Tim Graham; Dad Don Goodwin; "Grampy" Joe Goodwin; Grandmother Madge Gagnon; Aunts Linda Estabrooks, Betty (Ray Roy) Goodwin, Cindy (Tim Ross) Goodwin, Shirley Ann (Godfather Richard) Porter, Carolyn (Michael) Ferguson, Donna (Stephen) Lines, and Godmother Michelle (Greg Johnson) Morse; Uncles George, Gary (Barb) and Larry; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her family, she will be dearly missed by her close friends Amy, Leslie, Nicole, Darcy, Trish, Kelly, Shenna and many, many more.
Michelle was predeceased by her brothers Steven and Mark; Mother Judy; Grandfather Earl Gagnon; Grandmother Lula Goodwin; Uncle Joey Goodwin and Aunt Mary Lou Goodwin.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Furlong Jones Funeral Home, 70 Church St., Amherst, NS, where visiting hours will take place on Friday, August 23, 2013 from 7 to 9 pm. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 11 am from the Furlong Jones Funeral Home, Rev. Byron Corkum officiating. Those unable to attend the service in person may still view the funeral by visiting her obituary on the Furlong Jones Funeral Home Website (www.FurlongJones.ca) where you may also place private condolences for the family or place a memorial donation.