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Michelle Roads Obituary
Michelle was born in Balmoral Mills, Nova Scotia, Canada on August 4, 1924 to Elizabeth and George Ferguson.
After immigrating to the U.S., she lived in Los Angeles where she worked at The Dow Chemical Company, enjoyed body-surfing at Manhattan Beach and ventured into the emerging sport of scuba diving. After her marriage to David "Dusty" Roads, the couple moved to Tiburon in 1962, where Michelle developed many new interests and a rich circle of friends in tennis, gardening, sculpting and bridge. Her passion for marble sculpting took her to Italy to work near Carrara, a highlight life event producing a notable work. In recent years, Michelle volunteered at Old St. Hilary's and enjoyed sharing her knowledge about the building's architectural details, as well as the treasure of native wildflowers that are found in the preserve.
An avid world traveler throughout her life, Michelle gravitated to places of natural beauty and austerity, treasuring her multiple trips to the Arctic and Antarctic the most highly. Michelle loved poetry; one of her favorites, A Vagabond Song, by fellow maritimer Bliss Carman begins:
"THERE is something in
the autumn that is native
to my blood
Touch of manner,
hint of mood;
And my heart
is like a rhyme,
With the yellow and
the purple and the
crimson keeping time."
Michelle was a friend and helpful neighbor in her community, quick to smile and enjoy a small witticism; she will be greatly missed by many.
Michelle was preceded in death by her husband David. She is survived by her daughter Susan "Dusty" Roads and stepdaughter Gwen Brookins (Brook). She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. At her request, there are no services planned; her ashes will be interred in the Presidio of San Francisco. A Life Celebration is pending; for more information call 925-399-2988. Donations may be made in her memory to support the Tiburon Landmarks Society or the Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michelle Roads
Sponsored by anonymous.
March 4, 2019
Just a note to say we still miss your mom. It's hard to believe that four years have passed, since she left us.
Heidi Hanson
November 28, 2015
Aunt Michelle, I just found out about your passing. Thank you for all that you did for me when I was relocated to the Bay Area many years ago. You welcomed me into your home as long as I needed. We had several interesting and meaningful conversations. When my mom and siblings visited you entertained them. I look forward to hanging with you in heaven ☺.
Susan, I now live in Vancouver WA. If you plan to be in the Portland area please let me know. Heid Hanson 925-699-7602.
Sidney
April 15, 2015
Dusty,
Although I only had the opportunity to meet your lovely Mother once it left a lasting impression with me. Your Mother at 90 yrs was delightful, conversational ,able to recall her travels and so welcoming to your friend. Her direct eye contact with me will always be treasured.
As we would say in the South, "she raised Ya right"
Nicole Mazeron
March 19, 2015
Nicole is sad. She was my bridge partner, always gracious and nice. I miss her. I left march 1 and did not see her this year.nicole mazeron
March 17, 2015
Susan so sorry for the loss of your mom, she certainly enjoyed life to the fullest! With deepest sympathy Liz (Ferguson) Stone.
Donn MacCara
March 16, 2015
Michelle was very special and I will forever treasure my memories of her visits to Nova Scotia. In 1957 Michelle attended a family picnic hosted by Liv and Doris on Brule Point. With her natural charisma, she was, of course, a star. This was long before the age of digital media, but a home movie still exists which shows Michelle and her immediate family, who were almost all present that day. For a few glimpses of that occasion and the 50s version of Michelle, you can see excerpts of this movie by visiting
http://goo.gl/bQuNLQ
Dusty, I know you will miss her terribly. I do, too.
LR Hugh MacLean, Michelle, Murray MacCara. Taken in 1941, I would assume at Bruel Polinte NS.
Ian MacCara
March 16, 2015
Thought I would add this picture sent along by Patricia (Lyttle) Maclean. She wrote a note expressing how impressed all of us were when Michelle visted Nova Scotia. It seems she was quite a busy farm girl who suddenly transformed in to a California Beauty!
Sheryl Myden
March 13, 2015
Susan my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother.although it's been several years since I saw Michelle, I still remember the great few days when your mom and Helen stayed with me before taking the train thru the Rockies. So hard to loose the people we love.
Jeanne (Al) MacGregor
March 12, 2015
Susan: We were very sorry to hear of Michelle's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days.
Andrea and Mark Bishop
March 12, 2015
I have such fond memories of my great aunt Michelle. My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting her in Tiburon. She was a lively, adventurous and passionate lady who seemed to live each day to the fullest. My sympathies to you Dusty. xoxo
Michelle, Allister, Anne and Jean
Mary Reid
March 12, 2015
Ferguson Family 1941 - George, Elizabeth, Allister, Anne, Jean, Michelle, Livingstone, Helen
Mary Reid
March 12, 2015
One of Michelle's Sculptures
John Artim
March 12, 2015
Christmas in Tiburon, 2004
John Artim
March 12, 2015
Dusty, Dusty and Michelle
John Artim
March 12, 2015
A's Baseball for Mothers Day 2007
John Artim
March 12, 2015
Sailing on the San Francisco Bay
John Artim
March 12, 2015
Visitors from Canada
John Artim
March 12, 2015
Michelle and Helen under the chestnut tree.
Mary Reid
March 12, 2015
Michelle, Dusty and Susan.
Mary Reid
March 12, 2015
Christmas 2004
John Artim
March 12, 2015
Michelle, you lived a life full of experiences, accomplishments, travel and most of all--family and friends. Thank you for letting me share in a part of that life. Farewell and rest easy--I shall miss you.
Michelle, Dusty and Susan.
Mary Reid
March 12, 2015
Ferguson Family 1934. Michelle standing on right with hairbow.
Mary Reid
March 12, 2015
Michelle with colt.
Mary Reid
March 12, 2015
Sisters Four - Helen, Anne, Jean, Michelle (1940)
Mary Reid
March 12, 2015
Michelle with prize winning calf. (1938)
Mary Reid
March 12, 2015
Pat Friesen
March 12, 2015
Michelle, I already miss that smiling face. You were a good friend, always ready with a smile and hug.
Susan Chisholm
March 12, 2015
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother.
John Gunn
March 12, 2015
A few years ago we experienced Michelle's lively spirit and hospitality. Tours of the city, her special crab dish, sleeping in her mbr and the view it afforded of the Golden Gate Bridge are but a few of the special memories that come to mind.
To cousin Susan " Dusty", we extend our thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of your mom.
Love, John and Lynn Gunn
Matron of Honor. George(father), Elizabeth(mother), Anne(sister & bride), Murray MacCara, Mary MacCara(Grooms Mother) , Michelle, Harold Higgins
Ian MacCara
March 12, 2015
Her Art Work! This one speaks to her relationship with Dusty.
Ian MacCara
March 12, 2015
Her 90th Birthday
Ian MacCara
March 12, 2015
Her Garden Home in Tiburon
Ian MacCara
March 12, 2015
Murray Gunn, Jean (her sister)
Ian MacCara
March 12, 2015
An Avid Tenneis Player
Ian MacCara
March 12, 2015
Baby Susan
Ian MacCara
March 12, 2015
Great Times With Dusty
Ian MacCara
March 12, 2015
Baby Michelle
Ian MacCara
March 12, 2015
The Little Red Sports Car!
Ian MacCara
March 12, 2015
March 12, 2015
Dear Dusty,
I have vivid remembrances of the visits from both your parents and yourself. Your Mother was such a fun person and great role model for us all. We will all sadly miss her.
much love,
Shirley (Andrew)
Stan Ferguson
March 11, 2015
Hi Susan........sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Beth and I pass along our sincere condolences as you continue to deal with your loss.
Michelle and Norma April 2013
Ian & Norma MacCara
March 10, 2015
She could be absent for years but always kept her friendship and keen interest constant. One could not ask for a better Auntie or Friend. Always remembered. Ian & Norma MacCara
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