Obituary of Michelle Audrey LaBerge

LABERGE, Michelle Audrey

February 2, 1981 – Edmonton, Alberta

February 26, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Our hearts are breaking with the passing of Michelle Audrey LaBerge on February 26, 2022, at the age of 41 years. 

Those who had the good fortune to know her knew her as a kind and caring soul. She loved her family and friends fiercely and was loved fiercely in return. Michelle loved children and to many was known as Auntie Wheels.

Michelle was one of the bravest and most loving people we have ever known. She faced many challenges throughout her life, right from birth due to being born with Spina Bifida, but she did not let that define her. She was truly inspirational as she refused to be limited by other people’s expectations. When Michelle was born, the doctors said that she would never walk, but she shattered that prediction and continued to enjoy downhill skiing, wheelchair racing, and wheelchair basketball at different points in her life. She graduated from Bishop Grandon High School in 2000, where a highlight for her was her time in the high school choir.  Michelle continued her education through CDI College earning certificates in Office Administration and Medical Office Administration. Michelle was very active with the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Southern Alberta, serving as President for the past two years as well as being a director on the board of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada.  She also volunteered her time with many other charitable organizations.

Michelle endured countless surgeries, medical procedures, illnesses, and other complications over the course of her life but didn’t let herself become bitter or jaded with the path that she was given. She exuded love, compassion, and kindness for those around her. Michelle’s gentle nature belied her inner strength. She fought to stay with us for a week and a half in ICU, and while her determined spirit didn’t give up the fight, her body just couldn’t keep up anymore.  The family would like to thank the Rockyview Hospital ICU for their care of Michelle.

To mourn her passing, she leaves behind her mother and father, Jo-Anne and Colin LaBerge of Calgary, brother Dean (Tara) and nephew Zenon of Swan Hills and grandfather Flemming Peters of Drumheller, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Michelle was predeceased by her grandmothers, Johanne Peters and Patricia Baldwin as well as her grandfather Water Baldwin.

Rest easy Michelle. We will always love you and feel privileged for the all too short time that we had with you.

Michelle’s Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, June 26, 2022 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM. It will be held outdoors at the Blackbird Shelter (Day Use Area A on Google Maps) in the Glennfield area of Fish Creek Park. The main entrance to this area is off of Bannister Road SE.

There is a large open area at this site; please feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets, or whatever you may need for your comfort. The shelter is accessible.  Washrooms are available at the shelter, and parking is close by.  A light lunch will be supplied.

Some shelter will be provided, but please dress for the weather; hopefully, it cooperates.  The attire for Michelle’s Celebration of Life will be casual.  If you so choose you may wear something in support for Michelle’s favorite things: her favorite color purple, The Calgary Flames or Stampeders, or The Spina Bifida Association.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Southern Alberta would be appreciated.

In living memory of Michelle LaBerge, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.