Michelle K Catranis

It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved Michelle (Auld) Catranis; Amazing Wife, Sister, Auntie, and Daughter. She departed from this world with so much life left to live, and laughter to be had, leaving a void that can never be filled.

Michelle’s life was one grand adventure. She was a shining light in our lives, a source of unwavering support, love, playfulness, and laughter. Her kindness, compassion, creative spirit, and zest for life touched everyone she encountered. She lived her life with wild enthusiasm for joy, and adventure, inspiring us to live life to the fullest, take risks and enjoy the small things. 

Michelle was born in Walnut Creek, CA but grew up in Riverside. She was the youngest of three siblings who absolutely adored her. Family was incredibly important to Michelle and she always made sure her family and friends knew how much she loved them. 

Growing up, Michelle forged lifelong friendships with the many kids in her neighborhood, enjoying fun block parties and end of the culdesac picnics - carrying on her older sisters tradition. 

Michelle lived her life full out, enjoying all the little things like sunrises, sunsets and the beauty of the ocean. She lived life her own way on her own terms and lit up every room she entered with her smile and infectious spirit. She was spontaneous and never took life too seriously. When deciding where to call home, a flip of a coin led her and Peter to the tropical haven of Tortola.

Michelle didn't need a bucket list, a designated "Yes day," or even a dedicated "Year of Yes." She approached life with an enduring attitude that every day was her personal "Yes day." Regardless of the obstacles life presented, she possessed an exceptional ability to find the silver linings and squeeze the sweet nectar from each of life's experiences.

Michelle’s life was one big resounding Yes! Yes to adventure, to travel, and when she met Peter, yes to falling in love so deeply you don’t know where you end and the other person begins.

Michelle’s relationship with her husband, Peter, wasn’t like most husband-wife relationships. In other words, they didn’t spend one day apart for over a decade and they rarely disagreed and never argued; they were madly in love with each other, and their love only grew stronger day by day. There was nothing Michelle could do that would interrupt Peter’s devotion to her, and vice versa. Wherever Michelle was, Peter wanted to be, and whatever Peter was doing, Michelle wanted to contribute. “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.” They loved each other in the way people dream of being loved, and their adoration never wavered. It was a euphoric love and was absolutely beautiful to watch and experience for those who loved her.

Michelle authored 7 books, including 5 about her life experiences and one recounting her survival of two Category 5 hurricanes on St. Thomas (Irma and Maria). She also penned two cookbooks filled with her cherished recipes.

Creativity poured into everything she did from creating epic playlists of her favorite music from all genres for every occasion, to making jewelry with shells she collected during her walks on the beach.  She created so many stunning paintings that they eventually started running out of wall space to showcase her works of art. 

Generous with love, time, and laughter, Michelle was the type of auntie every kid wishes for: open-minded, fun-loving, and always up for an adventure. Her spontaneous spirit extended to whipping up homemade ice cream with her nieces and nephews using ziplock bags, ice, milk and sugar, creating cherished memories with laughter and joy. 

Michelle didn’t depart with a bucket list, her life was a living bucket list with experiences most people dream about but are too afraid to do - some of those things she was afraid to do but did anyway. She was terrified of heights but that didn’t keep her from going on a three person giant swing ride with her siblings or parasailing with her husband on multiple occasions, enjoying it the whole time. She swam with dolphins, loved to jet ski and gave fly boarding her best shot, even though it ended with a belly flop which of course she thought was hilarious. 

Michelle was a talented athlete,  loved to snowboard, and up until a couple years ago still held the title for fastest inline roller skating in her age group and category which she won at nationals when she was 8 years old. 

She survived three categories 5 hurricanes with her husband while living on Tortola and St. Thomas and instead of letting that scare her from living in a hurricane zone, she moved to Miami Beach and loved every minute of it.  

Michelle is survived by her loving soulmate and husband Peter and their fur babies, Eden and CC, her mother and father Lucy Cocores and Ken Auld, her siblings, Christine Christensen and Brandon Auld, her nieces and nephews Serena, Ryder and Ariel Christensen and Justin Auld, her step-father Michael Cocores, her sister in law Sally Auld and Anthony Arismendi. 

Rest in Peace our beautiful Michelle. You brightened every room you entered and brought so much joy and laughter to everyone around you. You have inspired us to live life to the fullest, take risks and enjoy the small things. There will never be a sunrise or sunset that we are not thinking of you and sending you all our love.