Michelle Rae Davis, 14, a beautiful, living, breathing angel, went peacefully into the arms of God to become an angel of his very own on Tuesday, April 23.

Michelle was born in Oak Bluffs and enjoyed its special pleasures and later, those of lovely Vineyard Haven as well, but indeed, she was a part of the entire Island community. While she has departed in body from the loving arms of her mom, Ann (Pankow) Davis, her dad, T. George Davis, and younger sister, Simone, and will leave forevermore a large hole in their hearts, her beautiful spirit surrounds them at every moment.

Michelle had the sweetest and most endearing temperament and it touched everyone who met her — even those who did so fleetingly, but especially the many entrusted by her grateful family to assist with and provide her care, and with whom Michelle formed extraordinary and lasting bonds. She endured the myriad travails that living with complex medical complications entail, with a measure of courage and grace that will surely remain a legacy among the countless doctors, nurses and others who were with her throughout her life.

Michelle attended the Oak Bluffs School for five years and was an integral and beloved member of that wonderful community. Beginning in September 2007, she resided at the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton, where she was truly adored by her expert medical team, teachers, aides, therapists and especially her amazing peers, and all at MHS will surely miss her quiet but strong and beautiful presence.

The names of those the family would like to thank personally for the devotion and dedication they happily gave to Michelle are far too many to list, but Ann, George and Simone hope and trust that each and every one of them is aware that the family is profoundly grateful for all they have done for their darling Michelle.

In addition to her beloved mom, dad and sister, and so many others whose lives she touched, the multitude of aunts and uncles and cousins will be forever influenced in a beautiful way, with Michelle a very special part of a large and loving family.

Michelle leaves behind no one. Her memory shall endure in the hearts of all those who knew her. And the loving grandparents who left this world before her were surely awaiting with great joy the time she would run into their arms, laughing, talking, singing, dancing, freed at last from the shackles of all that was required to keep her with us in her all-too-brief time on earth.

Rest in peace, Michelle. Your presence will be with us always.

A memorial mass for Michelle will be celebrated on Saturday, May 11 at a.m. in St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven with the Rev. Michael Nagle officiating. All are invited to join the family in the parish hall located below the church following the memorial mass. Donations in Michelle’s memory may be made to the Massachusetts Hospital School Foundation, c/o MHS Board of Trustees, 3 Randolph Street, Canton, MA 02021. Arrangements are under the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Please visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book.