Obituary of Michele Marie McGaughey

McGaughey, Michele age 66 of Richfield, MN, formerly of Minneapolis. Passed away March 6th, 2022. Preceded by mother Ludy, father Walt, stepmom Mary and brother Kelly. Survived by brother Patrick, sister Sharon, brother-in-law Randy, nephew Bryce, niece Lindsey, many friends, aunts, uncles and cousins. Special friends Sandy, Joe and Carol.

Raised in Fridley, MN Michele graduated from Fridley Sr. High School, class of ’74 and worked for a couple years at Prudential. Then she attended Anoka Ramsey Community College, class of ’78 and graduated from Augsburg College with a Social Work degree, class of ’80. She worked in several group homes and eventually worked for Ramsey County in the late ’80’s thru the late ‘90’s.

She bought her first home in NE Mpls., a 100 year old duplex and became skilled at home repairs and finding matching “fix up funds” to fix/upgrade various parts of the duplex. In the early 2000’s she sold the duplex and moved into a new condo building in the Stevens Square neighborhood of Minneapolis. She was actively involved in the Stevens Square Community Organization, SSCO, serving on the board and as Safety Co-Chair for many years. She loved living in the newly built condo loft building, LAA, and the residents quickly became a new community for her.

Michele was a member of Vail Uptown Clubhouse for almost the last 10 years of her life. She was a long term member of the Vail Theater Group and performed annually at the MN History Theater. Vail became a second home to Michele, and where she made new friends and enjoyed their social rec. activities. She especially liked ice cream making, drum circle, the theater group, the writing group, the weekly international meals and being part of the Vail Community.

Michele was a former member of Spirit of the Lakes church and Living Table UCC. Lately she found a spiritual home at Mayflower UCC and especially enjoyed the Women’s Spirituality group. She made Hats for the Homeless, enjoyed photography, theater, creative writing, sewing, playing games or cards, walking anywhere green (with flowers a bonus!) and spending time with family or friends. She was an amazing aunt and sister and will be sorely missed by Sharon, Bryce and Lindsey.

Special thanks to Grace Hospice, including nurse Jen, and NC Little Hospice for their amazing care of Michele during her last few months.

Celebration of Life will be at 11am Saturday, April 2nd at Mayflower UCC, 106 E. Diamond Lake Road with a visitation at 10:00 am and a light lunch following. Masks and vax cards required. We are hoping to have the event live streamed. Memorials preferred to Vail Place, NC Little Hospice or Mayflower UCC Women’s Spirituality Group.