Michelle Gerold Everett, 58, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 2, 2026, after a year-long battle with breast cancer. While she faced her illness with incredible strength and grace, cancer never defined her. Michelle will be remembered not for the challenges she endured, but for the extraordinary love, unwavering faith, and selfless devotion that she poured into her family every day of her life.
Born on June 16, 1968, in Wisconsin, Michelle was the beloved daughter of Michael and Joyce Gerold. She grew up alongside her sister, Christine, and her brother, Michael, surrounded by the love of her family.
Best friends for 44 years, and married for 34 wonderful years, Michelle shared a beautiful life with her husband, Rick. Together they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and unconditional love. Her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a stay-at-home mother to her daughters, Sarah and Julia. She dedicated her life to supporting and loving them wholeheartedly. Whether she was cheering them on at the soccer field, offering advice, or simply spending time together, Michelle made sure her daughters always knew they were deeply loved.
Michelle found happiness in life's simple moments. She loved baking, shopping, and painting the house. She also loved spending time with her beloved dogs. She had a gift for making a house feel like a home and for making everyone around her feel welcomed and cared for.
Above all else, Michelle's life was rooted in her deep Catholic faith. Her trust in God guided the way she lived, loved, and served others. Her faith gave her strength through life's joys and hardships and was evident in the compassion, generosity, and grace she showed to everyone she met.
Michelle is survived by her devoted husband, Rick; her daughters, Sarah and Julia; her parents, Michael and Joyce Gerold; her sister, Christine; her brother, Michael; and countless extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love.
Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that Michelle's love, faith, and kind spirit will remain with us always. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the values she instilled, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness. She will be deeply missed and forever held in our hearts.
Family and friends are invited to attend a rosary and visitation at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, Texas 78749 on Wednesday, August 12 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The rosary will begin at 6:00 pm.
A Funeral Mass celebrating her life will be held the following day, Thursday, August 13, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 126 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704. In honor of Michelle, we invite everyone attending the Mass to wear pink.
A reception will follow the Mass from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, Texas 78749.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to the Austin Humane Society or the Texas Oncology Foundation.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23
