1990-2018
Michelle Ilana Zwirn lost her 18-month battle with metastatic breast cancer at 3:51pm on Thursday, March 29, 2018. She was 27 1/2 years old. Originally misdiagnosed by her gynecologist in 2014, Michelle was told the lump in her breast was likely a ligament from her active lifestyle, and that no 25-year-old would have breast cancer. When she was finally diagnosed, Michelle made it her mission to help spread awareness that breast cancer does not discriminate based on age.
Michelle was born September 16, 1990 at Northridge Hospital. She grew up in Saugus, CA where she attended Mountainview Elementary, Arroyo Seco Jr. High, and Valencia High School. After graduating with an A.A. from College of the Canyons in 2010, she transferred to UCSB, graduating in 2012 with a B.S. Degree in Sociology.
Michelle worked a handful of jobs since the age of 15, but her true passion for helping people was ignited through her volunteer work with Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, and the LA Chill Foundation, where she taught children from low income families in Los Angeles to snowboard. After graduating from UCSB, she was a waitress at a sushi restaurant for nine months while she was looking for full time non-profit work. She got her first full time job as an Events Coordinator with the CLARE Foundation in Venice. She immediately moved to Santa Monica, because she had always wanted to live by the beach. After two years there, she got a new job with AYSO as an Events Coordinator, and relocated to Redondo Beach.
She loved traveling, snowboarding, surfing, camping, hiking, swimming, taking her dog to the beach, hanging out with her friends and family and was always helping others.
Michelle is survived by her parents Ellen and Daniel Zwirn; brother Aaron Zwirn; grandmother Edith Sloan; aunt Sheila Zwirn and partner Gary Sterling; numerous second cousins; and her beloved dog, Luna.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to the following charities which helped her through her cancer battle (www.b4bc.org or www.simmsmanncenter.ucla.edu).
The Signal, April 7, 2018
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6 Entries
Hi Dan and Ellen - I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Michelle. Life is so precious and we often take it for granted with the young and strong in our life. Such a tragedy to hear about your beautiful daughter....our prayers are with you and we know you will all be reunited some day. Stay strong and cherish the memories - Michelle did some very great things!
Mike Dalton
June 19, 2018
Nancy Brimhall
May 14, 2018
Heartbreaking. Just 27 years old. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Kimberly Duncan
April 9, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon Keyser Wyche
April 8, 2018
Michelle will always stay in our hearts forever!
Tanya Deckers
April 7, 2018
Michelle I'm lighting a candle in your memory, and I will miss you, but God needed you more.
Debbie Franklin
April 7, 2018
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