"Passing of 'Vita-Lady'"

Just received this incredibly sad and stunning news of Michelle's sudden passing from her husband Don ("Vita-Guy"), via group email to the VL community .. Please keep him in your prayers ..

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I am sending this to Michelle?s old friends and people most important to her. She died due to an infection in her lungs which could not be controlled. I hope you will all remember her for the love she shared with the bariatric community. It is our intention to continue her mission at Vitalady. Don C * * * * *

Don also included this obituary for Michelle (her photo didn't cut and paste here, for some reason, btw):

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Michelle Anne Curran, 69, passed into the arms of our creator on 2/16 at 10:05 PM at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, WA. At her side were her husband Don and son Ben.

Michelle, born 10/15/49 in Vallejo, CA the only child of William and Jeanne McClelland. She is survived by her husband, Don, son's Donovan and Ben Read, step children Kristopher and Michelle Curran, 3 grand and 5 step grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

She was the founder and president of Vitalady, Inc. providing support, information and encouragement to those having and seeking bariatric (weight loss) surgery.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested you donate to Cascade Animal Protection Shelter, Sumner, WA or other not for profit animal shelter in her name.

A memorial service will be held at Hill Funeral Home 217 E Pioneer Puyallup, WA 98372 (253) 845-1172 on Monday 2/25 at 2:00.

Here is a photo of Michelle....

Thanks, Kathy .. !

You're welcome my friend!

Oh my God. What a loss for the bariatric community. She was an absolute treasure. I live a couple of miles from her place and really appreciated her always helpful (and correct) advise.

Rest in peace dear lady. Thank you for being such a blessing in my life.

If anyone would like to go to her memorial I'd be happy to meet up so we could go together. I'll be going regardless so just thought I'd ask.

I'd go if I didn't have commitments here .. I wonder if any staff from OH will be attending (Kathy?) .. Would be very nice to at least send a large bouquet of flowers or a wreath on behalf of OH and all the members ..

That would be a nice gesture on behalf of OH and members. But how do get that done? I'll be taking flowers or donating to her charity - not sure which yet. I'd be glad to contribute to a big arrangement but unfortunately I don't have the funds to pay for something like that myself.

Such sad news... Sending love and support to her family!