Michelle Laurie died peacefully on July 1, following a courageous battle against brain cancer.

She was born in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, Canada on May 20 1962, the daughter of Iain and Shirley Laurie, who presently reside in Calgary, Canada. Besides her parents, Michelle is survived by her husband, Phil Robinson of Boston and formerly of Martha’s Vineyard, brother Steve of Calgary and nephews Jeff, Scott and Kevin of Calgary. She is also survived by four-legged family members Riba (dog) and Georgie (cat).

Michelle spent her formative years in Calgary and attended the University of Calgary for two years before moving to Boston. While living in Boston she married her first husband; not long after that they moved to Los Angeles. She enjoyed a successful professional career in Los Angeles, highlighted by her position as Director of Integrated Client Services for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. In 2002 she remarried, and three years later moved with husband Phil to Martha’s Vineyard, where she worked year-round at the Aquinnah Public Library and seasonally at the Outermost Inn. She continued her college education through Harvard University’s Extension Program.

Michelle truly loved life on the Vineyard. She was a great listener, looked out for the well-being of others, and cherished her family and many friends from the Island and off-Island. She is and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service celebrating Michelle’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m. at Old Town Hall in Aquinnah. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the PanMass Challenge, 77 4th avenue, Needham MA, 02494. Michelle proudly supported Phil’s PMC bike-a-thons — 192 miles over two days to support cancer treatment and research.