She was born on May 31, 1958 and is survived by her loving husband Ryan Scott Cornell. Her daughter Shannon Lee Burton, her husband David Burton, and her grandchildren Shaun, Tyler, and Blake. She is also survived by her two siblings Lawrence Acers and Renee Pinkston. She was preceded in death by her son Cameron Sean Lee and her parents Stephen Acers and Jacqueline Acers.
Michelle was born in Dallas Texas and grew up in University Park. She loved music and at an early age began training in classical piano. She attended Highland Park High School and was active in the band, playing the clarinet and even the bagpipes. She also performed as a Scottish Highland dancer.
As a young adult she moved to Colorado where she raised a family and adored her pets, especially Rhodan, Rolley, and Monkey. She was an artist that loved the outdoors and published an Estes Park coloring book. In the winter she spent her time as a professional ski instructor at Hidden Valley and Eldora, even organizing parties with her ski family to ski out of bounds in the snow bowls of the continental divide. In the summer she loved to take the family out camping and hiking. She along with her family and friends hiked virtually all the trails in the National Park. She was especially fond of vintage campers and spending her time customizing her own vintage camper. She also enjoyed vacationing on the white sandy beaches of Destin Florida and enjoying all the ocean had to offer. As anyone could attest, Michelle also loved to dance to disco and wasn’t happy until everyone was out on the dance floor with her.
Michelle was an accomplished architectural designer. Several public buildings and homes in the Estes Park area were drafted and designed by Michelle. She also managed two construction companies that built houses and completed several other projects in Estes Park and beyond.
Even as busy as she was in her very full life, she always found time for others. She spent time as a girl scout leader and even spearheaded the campaign to save the Hidden Valley ski resort in Estes Park.
Michelle was a strong, wonderful mother and loved her children with all of her heart. She and her daughter had an especially strong bond and a special connection. They leaned on each other for love and support and with her gone there is an enormous void that could never be filled. From now on when it begins to snow and blanket the ground, she will fondly remember all the times Michelle embraced her with unconditional love. Together they used to look to the night sky for shooting stars and the next time a star shoots across the sky we will be reminded of Michelle and how bright her love was.
In the Summer of 2003 Michelle met and eventually married her love Ryan. From the moment they met, they were one and virtually inseparable. They discovered unconditional love with one another. They explored life with wide open eyes, and went on adventure after adventure. Skiing, camping, hunting, traveling, hiking, dancing, loving, laughing, crying, holding each other tightly. A bond that was soul deep, they were co dependent and proud of it. The loss of my best friend, my Greatest love, soul mate and business partner all rolled into one has left me devastated. To know her was to love her, and I loved her with a passion larger than the universe itself. She was a force of nature and the greatest, kindest, loving person I know. It’s impossible to completely summarize who Michelle was and how much she meant to all of us in a limited forum. An amazing person full of joy and love. Until we meet again my love, I will hold you in my heart and soul. Thank you for making me a better man.
There will be a service held on Saturday February the 27th at 12pm in the American Legion, 850 North Saint Vrain Ave. Estes Park 80517. In lieu of flower the family has asked memorial contributions be made to the family to help cover expenses, contributions can be made to Ryan Cornell in care of Allnutt Funeral Service 1302 Graves Ave Estes Park, CO 80517.
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Ryan CornellIn Care Of Allnutt Funeral Service, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
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