Michelle Lee Gray

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Michelle Lee Gray announces the passing of their beloved family member on Saturday, August 20, 2011, at the age of 45. She was born in Redondo Beach, CA on June 24, 1966. Michelle spent most of her life in the South Bay; being raised in Redondo Beach, and owning her home in Torrance. She was an alumna of Franklin Elementary School, Adams Middle School and Redondo Union High School. Growing up close to the beach fostered in her a love of the sunshine and the outdoors, and kept her close to the area where many of her friends and family still reside.

Michelle worked for the County of Los Angeles in L.A.'s Court System for 22 years, where she was an esteemed colleague, supervisor and mentor. Generosity does not begin to describe the kindness and giving that she showed others, both in her professional and personal life. She was always there for anyone close to her, without regard to the time of day or the effort required. Michelle thrived on helping others, not only during the difficult times but on a day-to-day basis as well.

Her interests included an immense love of music, especially Country, and she would oftentimes dance with her dogs to the music of her idol, Rod Stewart. She had a passion for traveling both throughout the U.S. and more recently in Europe, where she made friends in Germany whom she visited on a recent trip. Wherever she went she was always easily able to make friends through her kind smile and genuinely charming personality. Michelle had sincere interest in living her life to the fullest and in creating meaningful relationships with the people around her. She was a humble woman and loved to laugh, even at herself sometimes. Anyone who spent time with Michelle knew her love of sharing a glass of wine and foods from different cultures with her friends.

Michelle is survived by parents, Bonnie and Larry Gray; son, Nicholas Grant; daughter, Ashley Ivey; sisters, Annette Gray and Patti Vorndran; she was aunt to Jessica & Jasmine Bowlin, Jase Tautai, Hannah, Hailey, Allie, Jack and Daniel Vorndran. Though she will be missed every day by all of those who knew her, they will remain ever grateful for the time they shared with this beautiful, bright and generous woman. A gathering of friends and family will be held in Rice's Chapel in Torrance on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 10:00 am. Burial will be private. Celebration of life to follow with location to be announced.