Michelle Doran

Michelle Doran

Our beautiful wife, mother, friend and inspiration to be kind to all, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away January 25, 2011 surrounded by the love of her family at Harborview Medical Center. Michelle was born July 8, 1937 in Olympia, Washington to Mike (12-28-2007) and Esther LeMay (Feb. 12, 2008). The tragic death of her older brother, Billy at 18 months who drowned in the well at their house off of Gravelly Beach tore her parent's hearts apart. She was born 18 months later, but the marriage would only last until Michelle was 6 years old. Her childhood was somewhat lost with much of the responsibilties of tending to the home fell to her. Yet the memories held dear over the years were of clam digging, crabbing, walks through the beautiful fruit orchard, berry picking and walks through the woods. She was always appreciative of the good in her childhood, not holding onto the hardship. Visiting her childhood property which is now Frye Cove Park always put a sparkle in her eye and a smile in her heart. Both parents remarried (Stepmother Ada Rohr LeMay, and stepbrother, Bob Rohr and sister-inlaw, Paula in friendship, family and love for 57 years, and Stepfather Ladd Olcott Boardman) remained in the Gravelly Beach area. Michelle attended St. Michaels School, Olympia High School 1955 with honors and graduated from the University of Washington in 1959 as a Phi Beta Kappa, majoring in Political Science with a minor in music. She had a 1st Soprano voice like an angel.
After graduation Michelle had two opportunies for her first job. One was to join the Foreign Service in Korea, or apply as a temporary secretary in the AG's office. This decision was the beginning of her fairytale. Robert Doran wasted no time in asking out Michelle the moment he saw her as she sat waiting for her interview in the AG's office. It was love at first sight. Holding hands Michelle knew this was the touch of love that was forever. She declined the Foreign Service after her first date and remained in Olympia. They courted for 18 months and married April 8, 1961. Michelle felt blessed to stay home to raise her 3 daughters: Heather (Mark) Barbieri, Robbi (Dave) Anderson, and Tessa (Ron) Effland, as well as keeping an immaculate house and garden full of flowers, vegetables and no weeds. She enjoyed baking cookies, making homemade applesauce, reading and walking 3 plus miles on her daily prayers, decorating for holidays and watching sports -because she loved Dad.
Michelle and Robert enjoyed many travels together from Italy to Alaska walking through castles in England to Canyons in Utah. Maps, geography and history were her passion. Between trips they would enjoy music, theater, opera, attending all 8 grandchildren (Sian, Connor, Sera Barbieri; Joseph, Lily, Mikey Anderson; Te'a, Toran Effland) events, berry picking on her property on Gravelly Beach, bridge and time with friends and family and Husky season football games.
Michelle had found her true love of a lifetime, had the family she always wanted, spread kindness, compassion and inspiration to all those she walked by. Her love was a gift we will cherish - her love for Robert for 49 1/2 years will live on forever.
The family sincerely thanks Dr. Rapport and the entire compassionate staff at Harborview Medical Center, and the love of our family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, February 4, 2011 at St. Michael's Church followed by a reception. Please honor Michelle by donating to the food bank and wearing a touch of blue to celebrate her gift of life.