Michelle Ann Austin

In loving memory of Michelle Ann Austin
October 26, 1976 — November 25, 2023

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of Michelle Ann (O'Connor) Austin, age 47, after a 6-month courageous battle with cancer. She was enveloped in love by family and a few close friends when her journey ended.

Full of love, warmth and kindness, Michelle was an inspiration to all who knew her. Michelle's lifelong courage, strength and bravery never wavered with each new challenge she was forced to face. This dear soul was taken away from us far too early and will be forever missed by the magnitude of people that she deeply touched throughout her life.

Born in Sheboygan, WI, Michelle spent most of her childhood and adolescent years in Bolingbrook, IL. After graduating from Downers Grove South High School, she attended 2 years of community college at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. At the age of 20, she traveled west to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Occupational Therapy and became a licensed Occupational Therapist. She made Fort Collins her home after meeting her soulmate and husband to raise a family and pursue her career.

Michelle leaves behind an unforgettable mark on the hearts of those who held her dear. She was a devoted wife of almost 15 years to William Daniel Austin, nurturing mother to their three amazing sons, William Dylan (13), Connor James (12) and Aiden Sean (10); treasured daughter to James and Donna O'Connor, affectionate sister to Heather and Nicole O'Connor; and dearly loved her in-laws Paula Austin and Dan Martino, Pete, Amy, Jackson, Paige, Brooke and Colt Peterson. Michelle was preceded in death by her grandparents Wallace and Grace O'Connor, Harold and Anna Reinke, Uncle Gary Reinke, older siblings Sean and Heather, and father-in-law Gig Austin. She is also survived and preceded by generations of grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.

Michelle had a vibrance for life, always appreciated the little things, and dedicated her life to helping people. She was unique, bold, witty, an avid Packer fan, a great cook, hostess, and a teacher, both in home life and her career. She loved to laugh, joke, travel, and spend time in the outdoors camping with her family, 4-wheeling in ATVs, hiking, skiing, and boating on the Blue Mesa in her dad's Pontoon boat and Boyd Lake in her family's speed boat. She loved playing pool, softball, hanging out with her immense amount of friends, and always cared more for others than herself. Most important of all, she loved and cherished spending time with her three boys, whom all share her beautiful character and will continue to shine with the caring spirit she once shared with the world.

Michelle's Celebration of Life will be in Fort Collins on Saturday, December 9, 2023. The Memorial Service will be at Timberline Church, 2908 S Timberline Rd. The family will begin greeting guests at 10 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m. Immediately following, family and friends are invited to join the procession for a vigil at Grand View Cemetery, 1900 W Mountain Ave., to arrive by 1 p.m. The reception will be from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Sweetwater Brewery, 1020 E Lincoln Ave., to share memories and stories with the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in honor of Michelle Austin to the UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation to provide funding for current and future UCHealth patients and their families. Visit www.uchealthnocofoundation.org to donate. To learn more about Michelle's courageous cancer journey, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/michelleaustin .

Michelle's family is truly grateful for the outpouring of support, love and sympathy from all their family and friends during this challenging time.

Memories of Michelle and her inspirational spirit will never be forgotten and always kept close to the heart in anyone that was ever touched with her big, beautiful smile. Rest in peace sweet girl!