After a courageous battle with cancer, Michelle Renee Wester went to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan. 16, 2010, at the age of 46.

She is survived by her parents and brothers, Richard and Julie with daughter Brooklyn, Timothy and Belynda with son Jordee and daughters Carissa, Ariana and Kiera, Jonathan and Stefawn with daughters Faith, Ella and son Joel, and Samantha Townson with daughters, Lexi and Ariana.

Michelle was born Feb. 1, 1963 in Chino, Calif. to Pastor Arvin and Barbara Wester of Lynden. When she was six the family moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., and in 1972 the Wester family relocated to Oak Harbor, where they had found their home.

Growing up with three teasing brothers, Michelle had developed an extraordinary personality and sense of humor. She loved her brothers deeply and in turn was always the focus of her brothers’ attention. She graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1981 and had built strong friendships that would prove to last a lifetime.

In 1989 she moved to Ontario, Calif., and shared her home for 15 years with persons with disabilities working with Salem Christian Homes. Michelle gave up many personal freedoms that many of us enjoy, instead selflessly helping to improve the quality of life for dozens of adults with special needs.

In June of 2001 Michelle became mother to God-daughter Lexi and in 2003 to sister Ariana, helping to raise both girls as her own. They brought much joy and fulfillment to her life.

In 2005 Michelle bought her first home in Birch Bay, Wash., near the beach as she had always dreamt of doing and near her parents whom she had grown very close friends with. She was active in North Bay Christ the King Church and had a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She worked with Lynden High School Community Transitions over the past five years, again helping to serve people with special needs.

Michelle had dedicated her life to helping all the people she loved. Whether you were a family member, a friend or someone that she had just met, she made you feel welcome. People loved Michelle because of her infectious laugh, tender heart, her warm smile, loving hand and sincere friendship.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Lotfi, Dr. Lombard, and Dr. Moss as well as the friendly, compassionate nursing staff at St. Joseph’s and Mt. Baker Kidney Center.

A Celebration of Michelle’s Life was held at First Reformed Church of Lynden on Jan. 22, for all of us that have been touched by her loving heart.

A Memorial Fund in Michelle’s honor will be used to aid persons with special needs in a project yet to be determined. Gifts may be made to First Reformed Church Memorial Fund/Michelle Wester, 610 Grover St., Lynden, WA 98264.

Please share your memories of Michelle at www.molesfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are with Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lynden.