February 22, 1953 - June 1, 2025
Michèle was born and raised in West Vancouver. She attended UBC; graduating in Home Economics in 1975. She completed teacher training in 1976 and taught for 36 years for the Surrey School District, retiring at Elgin Park Secondary in 2012.
Seventeen years ago, Michèle created a community Christmas dinner hosted by her home economics classes, which brought together isolated and impoverished community members for an evening of celebration. It has become a school tradition that continues today.
In recent years she introduced the Woman to Woman initiative in South Surrey/White Rock filling 100 gift bags for impoverished female clients of Sources at Christmas.
Thirteen years ago, Michèle met Ed; the catch of a lifetime. Yes.... internet dating can work! Together they enjoyed European travel, a South American cruise, and more. In recent years they spent time in the quaint town of Melaque, Mexico. Michèle was a sun bug. The combination of sun and sea was her happy place.
Post retirement, Michèle developed the gardening bug and savoured her outdoor spaces. A thrifter long before it became trendy, she loved the thrill of the hunting for treasures and thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the Peace Arch Hospice Society Thrift Store for 12 years. Michèle saw the work of hospice as an essential part of the community. At the recent Hike for Hospice, Palmers' Posse raised over $10,000 in support.
Michèle enjoyed hosting many social events such as the Palmer Olympics, a ladies Harvest Brunch, and St. Patrick's Day party complete with a leprechaun hunt for her grandchildren. Michèle enjoyed games of all types. Family dinners often included a game of trivia - when dropped, how high should a fresh cranberry bounce?
Michèle leaves behind her mother, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, her loving partner Ed, and her pride and joy children Tiffiny and Brett along with their loving partners, Brett & Krista. In addition, Michèle also leaves behind her four granddaughters: Kennedy & Peyton and Karley & Hayley. She's survived by her siblings Denise (Karl) and Clyde (Judy), and her nephews Ryan & Greg. Michèle was married to Brian Palmer (Karen) for several years. Despite parting, they retained a friendship that spanned more than 50 years. In addition to her family, Michèle had a well-established network of friends that spans 2 to 60 years.
Growing up, Michèle had many fond memories of summers spent in Osoyoos. This has continued with the next generation gathering in the summer, bringing siblings, cousins and family together for fun in the sun.
A private celebration of life will take place in September.