Michelle Marie Gullickson

Michelle’s early years were rough, but when she was 10 she and Renee’ became part of the Palmer Hanson family in Bremerton. Now, a real family including big brothers John and Jerry and fun cousins, aunts and uncles. A new beginning; dreams from ballet to the Beatles. Mom, Lauralee, took her to see both Rudolf Nureyev, and later, the Beatles at the Kingdome. In high school Michelle liked art and was a member of the yearbook staff. She loved family trips to the Oregon coast and at the family’s property at Holly on Hood Canal.

At Olympic College she met Mike and their friendship grew. Mike also joined the Navy Reserve that year. In letters from Boot Camp their love grew. Mike proposed to Michelle at the Space Needle in December 1966. They were married in June of 68’ when Mike returned from Viet Nam.

Attending Central Washington University part time taking art classes, she worked at a local bank in the trust department. Then, after a stint at the University of Idaho they moved to Seattle. Michelle became a trust officer in a downtown bank; Mike was at the U.W. They restored an old Ballard house.

An amazing opportunity to live and work in Australia for three years was the beginning of a new adventure. Swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, and camping in the Outback they enjoyed all while interacting with Australia’s flora and fauna. Michelle worked in the office of Mike’s school and made friendships lasting still.

Washington’s natural beauty and close family ties drew them home and Michelle returned to the bank trust position she held before. They bought a home in Southworth, and she commuted by ferry and bus to downtown Seattle. They settled in, helped establish a Presbyterian church, and quickly began lifetime ministries with youth, and service in the church family. Michelle was a deacon and co-produced a monthly newsletter.

Youth involvement with the Bible Study Fellowship helped spurned yearnings to start a family. Their joy became complete when Matthew arrived in January of 82’. Michelle left her job at Seattle Trust and became enthralled in motherhood. Happiness was an understatement as Matt brought such satisfaction and fulfillment. Church service shifted; later as Matt grew, she and Mike became senior high Bible study leaders under the church’s Logos program. After Matt graduated Michelle found an outlet for another passion. She became a barista at a new coffee shop, Vitales, near the church, and enjoyed interacting with customers and staff. After several years ownership changed; she left about a year later as the working environment became uncomfortable.

Enhancing the welcoming atmosphere of our church was brought about as Michelle gathered flowers in spring and summer to decorate the interior and worship areas with bright blossoms. This then grew into a grand hospitality group as ladies and their respective spouses provided a brunch following church services. This service lasted over 10 years, then others took over that role.

During this time M & M (as they were often referred) joined a Bible study group. Commonalities bonded the group as they have become another family, a closeness that continues. Wednesday morning breakfasts with our adult kids at the Pancake House was always a pleasant way to stay connected to their lives and hang out with friends. The camaraderie with staff and other patrons made it all the more enjoyable.

A yearning to visit France, was realized in 2004 when landing in Paris, doing the museum thing, then to Normandy, Mont St. Michelle and on down the west and back to Paris. Touring Ireland and the United Kingdom on another sojourn brought in the rich History and culture. Returning to Australia several times over the years always rekindled her affection for locales and friendships. But on the home front favorite spots were camping on the Icicle River and Alpine lakes out of Leavenworth, Index on the Skykomish River, and Kalaloch on the Washington coast. There was great fun playing beach croquet, beachcombing, swimming, and campfires; gorgeous sunsets brought the family back again and again. Since Michelle’s birthday is July 4th, there was always a special party at Holly with her parents, and brothers’ families with fireworks, oysters on the hot campfire rocks, and lots of love. The sunsets behind the Olympic Mts. never failed to inspire.

Michelle enjoyed having pets around. Huskies were a constant until Morgan moved in in 2011. He’s been nearby all the time even up to the end of her life. Cats were always at home during most of Michelle’s life and it was always comforting to have a purr nearby. Michelle and neighbor Lee had a pet sitting business for a few years so she was always able to get some affections when cats were no longer in our home.,

Michelle had a special relationship with sister Renee’; their bond kept them in regular interactions; frequent visits and phone calls kept them connected. Time spent with all her nieces, nephews, and the “grands” was precious time and kept her in laughs. Michelle’s laugh was infectious and could get a whole room to chuckles. Special friend Janet got her involved with a group of church ladies who enjoyed cutthroat dominoes, so there was plenty of laughs with them, too.

God called Michelle home too early, but along the way through life’s struggles and many joys she spread her wings to embrace life, service and devotion to God, and Love from her family. Michelle received inspiration from God and the many people and places she traveled.

The family wishes remembrances be sent to Franciscan Hospice of Tacoma, or to the Deacons Remembrance Fund at Adventure of Faith church of Port Orchard.