Michelle Joan Straub-McSherry

Michelle Jane Straub-McSherrey May 3, 1956 to June 15, 2023 Michelle Straub McSherrey (67) died suddenly on June 15, 2023, at the Charlottesville Rehabilitation Facility. She was in the second week of her recovery from long awaited knee replacement surgery when God called her home. From the moment Michelle Jane Straub-McSherrey came into this world, her mission was to teach others about people who are different and the true meaning of unconditional love of neighbor as oneself. Misunderstood from birth, she spent her early years in the Michigan State Home for the Mentally Retarded in Coldwater, Michigan. Soon after she rejoined her family in 1972, they moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Choosing to spend an extra year in High School, she graduated with her brother Christopher Leo Straub in 1975. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, and a Master of Health Education from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. For several years, she worked as a public health inspector for Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Due to her challenges of being on the Asperger's spectrum, she received a disability retirement form the State of Arizona. Not long after this, she moved to Charlottesville, Virginia. For nearly 30 years, Michelle has been an active member of the Charlottesville community. Despite her disabilities, she put her love of gardening and farming to good use to feed hungry members in Charlottesville. She volunteered long hours at the Urban Farm and donated those vegetables to those in need. As a gardener at Ronald McDonald House, her passion helped bring a smile to families whose children were ill. She knitted clothes and baby blankets for children at the local crisis pregnancy center and donated what little money she had to Catholic Charities and Food for the Poor. Sober for well over 20 years, she was a beacon of hope and inspiration to many members in the Charlottesville 12 step community. As a member of St. Thomas Aquinas, she never lost faith in God, and taught her blood relatives and community family how to be people with great love and compassion. To the end, she had great faith in relief of her physical and mental health. She is survived by her sister, Susan Marie Straub Martin of Bothell, Washington, and her brother, Timothy Mark Straub of Prosser, Washington. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the various causes she supported. In her will, she listed the Urban Agricultural Collective, Ronald McDonald House and Catholic Charities. You may also consider donating to your local women's center and crisis pregnancy center. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.

Michelle Joan Straub-McSherry

May 3, 1956 - June 15, 2023