Obituary of Nancy Michael

On August 31, 2008 a few days after celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary with her husband, Rick, Nancy Michael passed on peacefully at home at his side , after a challenging and inspiring six year battle against cancer; leaving this world a better place through her caring deeds, generous disposition, and unselfish acts. Although it is difficult to reprise such a well lived life; it is important to always remember her French inspired "Joie de vivre" and daily thoughtful acts of kindness, compassion, and sincerity; always putting the concerns and needs of others above her own. Nancy lived a remarkable and inspiring, creative life. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and subsequently grew up in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, attending school within the Catholic Diocese. She attended ST. Theresa's College in Winona, Minnesota and earned a degree in special education, which she subsequently applied to early childhood programs in Stoddard, Wisconsin and Hawthorne, Nevada. After moving to Salinas, Californian in 1986, she focused upon her lifelong creative and artistic interests with the earnest passion she brought to all of her life's endeavors. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress, fashion designer, and artist. Her artistic pursuits were diverse and included stained glass, pottery, drawing quilting knitting, textiles, poetry, flute, and guitar. Nancy was always an enthusiastic volunteer to a wide variety of community charitable activities and was an active Catholic Daughter in Salinas for many years. She particularly enjoyed her efforts promoting the welfare of children, education, and the community. Nancy had a lifelong passionate love of animals and nature. She enjoyed camping and hiking trips throughout the Western United States, which included close-up encounters with brown bears, mountain lions, and elephant seals. Nancy found deep spiritual solace reflecting on the grandeur of nature's magnificent monuments and creatures. At home, Nancy was an avid gardener with a keen interest in rare and exotic plants. She was a devoted mother to a diverse family of distinctive pets, including dogs, cats, and fish, who entered her life in amazing ways and by whom she will be most dearly missed. She is survived by her husband, Rick, in Salinas and her parents James and Dyanne Horn in Scottsdale, Arizona.