GOODWIN, Michelle Lea (née Verigin)

February 15, 1973 — September 19, 2023

Following an extremely painful battle with melanoma cancer, Michelle Lea Goodwin (née Verigin) of Kelowna, B.C. passed away on 19 September 2023 at the age of 50 years. It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Michelle. In the early hours of her last day, the clouds lifted and the Aurora Borealis ushered her passage to heaven with a beautiful display of magical colors.  https://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-447493-2-.htm

Michelle was born in 1973 to Marlene and Mike Verigin in Castlegar, B.C. as a fraternal twin sister to Marla Monteith (née Verigin). There were complications during her birth that resulted in Michelle being diagnosed as having cerebral palsy, which affected her daily existence for the rest of her life. As a child she went to physical, occupational, and speech therapy weekly. Michelle had many challenges to endure and bravely face in her life. Michelle successfully graduated from Mt. Sentinel Secondary School in 1991.

Michelle moved from Grand Forks, B.C. to Kelowna, B.C. in 2018 and moved in with her caregiver Leanna, her children and grandchildren. Michelle’s wonderful personality made it very easy for her to be accepted as a part of the family and was loved by all, including extended family and friends. Very soon after her move she began to attend Pathways Abilities society which included working at the SPCA and the Mission Thrift store. She loved attending her activities at Pathways and all it had to offer, especially the Friday Karaoke, where she sang her favourite Shania songs frequently. Michelle loved to travel and became a part of the travel club at Pathways. In addition to the annual camping trip to camp Owaissi (OAC), Michelle managed to go to Mexico three times. Michelle also loved animals and children.

Michelle was an absolute joy to be around, she was kind, incredibly strong, had a great sense of humour and a beautiful and infectious smile that won over the hearts of all who had the good fortune to meet her. Michelle made many friends in the relatively short time she lived in Kelowna, which was very evident by all the friends and family that rallied around her in the end. She was well-loved and will be missed greatly.

Michelle was predeceased by her father Mike Verigin, who died February 21, 2014.

Lovingly remembered by her mother Marlene and her stepfather Walter Swetlishoff; sister Marla (Lyle) Monteith; nephew Kaylan Monteith; sister Melanie Epp; and nephew Finn Epp. As well as her Uncle Phil and Auntie Chris Datchkoff; cousins Lisa (Luke) Lucht; their two daughters Anika and Avi; Jennifer (Jeff) Craig; Uncle Rob and Aunt Lily Datchkoff; their son Steven (Jessica); Aunt Angela and Uncle Cecil Jmio, their daughter Wanda and son Chris (Janet) and their two sons Michael and Cameron as well as Uncle Cecil and Aunt Ruby; their daughter Cindy and son Derek and their families, plus many more extended family and friends.

Michelle’s extended family and friends in Kelowna include Leanna Romano and partner Phil Zurrin, children and grandchildren Amie, Kaiden, Joseph, Olivia, and Rayanna Romano. And steadfast and loving friend, support worker and travel buddy Cyndy Omand; as well as Hanna and Courtenay; and all the other members of her various groups that meant so much to her and touched her daily life.

The family, extended family and friends of Michelle Goodwin wish to thank The Hospice House in Kelowna, B.C. for providing the room and environment, help and support that were shown to our beloved Michelle and all of us during the difficult days during her transition.

A Celebration of Life will be observed by family members and friends at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Pathways Disability Society at : www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/pathways-abilities-society/ in memory of Michelle Goodwin.