"I am so very sorry to hear about Michelle's passing. I met Michelle while working at the University of WA. It was fun to learn that we had both attended Watson Groen. She was such lovely, friendly, and enthusiastic person. She organized the best potlucks! She was a bright light who will be very missed in this world. Thankfully, I'll see her again. "
In loving memory of
Michelle Monique Stoa Walter
August 30, 1972 - March 16, 2016
Michelle Monique Stoa Walter
August 30, 1972 - March 16, 2016
Surrounded by family and friends, Michelle passed away in her Bothell, WA home on March 16, 2016, at the age of 43, after a three-year struggle with Adult-Onset Leukodystrophy. Michelle was born in Salem, Oregon on August 30, 1972.
Michelle graduated from Watson Groen Christian High School in 1990. While in high school, she was a cheer leader, played volleyball, and was active in drama. During her senior year, she played Anne in Anne of Green Gables. She attended Seattle Pacific University and graduated in 1995 with a major in communication and a minor in theater. While at SPU, she was in Midsummer Night's Dream and other plays. Upon graduation, she directed plays for Watson Groen Christian High School, too.
She worked as an Administrative Assistant to the Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Washington Medical School until her disease interfered with her ability to perform her job.
Michelle enjoyed singing in Shoreline Covenant Church's choir, teaching Vacation Bible School during her summer vacations, reading, working in her garden, creating craft projects, hanging out with her friends, and, most importantly, being a mom to her precious daughter, Naomi. Michelle would light up a room when she entered with her warmth, outgoing personality, and humor.
Michelle had two favorite places to go. One was Cannon Beach, Oregon, where her tradition was to build a large sea turtle sand sculpture on the beach and wait for the tide to come and slowly erode it away. The other place she loved was Camp Casey, where she had annual camping trips with Naomi and her church family.
Michelle was buried in a small private ceremony next to her maternal grandmother at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in McMinnville, Oregon on March 23, 2016. Her brother, Jeremy, built a beautiful pine coffin, and her sister-in-law, Julie, made the monogrammed white pillow with a matching quilt to line the inside of the casket.
Michelle is survived by her parents Philip and Kristi Stoa; brother Jeremy (Julie); daughter Naomi; and extended family.
We thank all the many folks who have journeyed with us and helped us with care. Special thanks to Dr. Jayadev (UWMed), Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County, Shoreline Covenant Church, family, and friends.
Tributes
"Jane Dudley"
"Stacey"
"Tina Francisco"
"Emily Scarfe"
"Eunice Scarfe"
"Sarah Scarfe"
"Beloved Michelle truly lit up the space she inhabited. She was an encourager who lifted up everyone she met (especially me) leaving judgement to a higher power. She even taught me how to tie my scarf so I could look like the cool kids. My heart breaks for our loss and that I missed an opportunity for one more hug. I will never let that happen again. My prayers go out to beautiful Naomi and her grandparents and family. God Bless, Shalley"
"With heartfelt sympathy, Evergreen Washelli"