Michelle Libby Obituary

Our precious Michelle passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, December 4, 2025. She shared the past 35 years of her life with her loving husband, Dr. Thomas Phillip Libby. She was a devoted mother to her daughters, Erika (Dallas), Laura, Bethany (Brandon), and her son Joshua (Nicole). She will be missed by her grandchildren. Elijah, Noelle, Zachary, Matthew, Lucas, Deacon, Bennett, Nyla and Sadie.

Michelle was born on June 11, 1967 to Kirk and Dorothy Dupre (Wells) of Whitby at Oshawa General Hospital . She was the firstborn of 2 children. She is survived by her younger brother David (Jennifer). Michelle received her degree in Early Childhood Education from Brock University. Prior to having children she taught SK to Grade 2 for several years at Scugog Christian School in Port Perry. When Erika was born she put her teaching career on hold and became a wonderful, caring stay-at-home Mom. Her kids have all agreed that she was always their biggest fan, cheerleader and was always in their corner. When her last child started SK at Immanuel Christian School, Michelle resumed her teaching career at the same school once again teaching SK to Grade 2. After many years of teaching entire classes of students she then transitioned to a new job as a PSW, working one on one with autistic children. Michelle had a very natural connection with little children who all came to love Mrs. Libby. She will be fondly remembered by her former students and staff members she worked with. In addition to all of this she was an accomplished pianist and taught up to 40 students piano at her home for several years. She was also a regular pianist at her home church, Rossland Ridge Bible Chapel in Ajax for many years. Approximately 4 years ago we noticed that Michelle (Mom) was choking on fluids more frequently than usual. We then noticed that she was starting to slur her words. Prior to this she was an excellent communicator with perfect, enthusiastic speech. A neurology consult led to a referral to Dr. Lorne Zinman at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre. On June 1, 2022, Michelle and her husband, Phillip received the devastating news that Michelle had ALS also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. This began a journey of IV infusions, pills and experimental medications which unfortunately later proved to be ineffective against her ALS. The next 3 1/2 years saw a progressive decline in her neuromuscular function. She went from walking with a cane and leg braces to using two walking sticks to using a walker to using a manual wheelchair followed by using a power wheelchair. On July 9. 2024 she was no longer able breathe on her own. She had a tracheostomy tube installed and a mechanical ventilator assisted her breathing. She then spent 3, weeks in the ICU at Lakeridge Oshawa Hospital followed by 3 months at Toronto Grace Hospital. During her time in hospital she received exemplary care from all medical staff involved and we are eternally grateful to each and every one. Special thanks to Dr. Barrett and Lilya RT from Toronto Grace who continued to follow up on Michelle's care after being discharged on November 7, 2024. Michelle was so thrilled to be finally home! In the last year of her life she was fully paralyzed except for the muscles in her face so was confined to a hospital bed in our living room. Many were involved in her care at home. . Special thanks to PSWs Bukie, Ziba, Jane, Thea, Gurprit, and Sharmila ; nurse Ziona; nurse practitioner, Kianda and RT, Chayana. Special mention as well to nurses Laura and Nichole, and Michelle's dear friends Sherri, Gayle, Kathy, Colleen, Cheryl and Monica. Michelle was an avid Toronto sports fan but her main love was the Toronto Blue Jays. We all sensed it may be her last season to watch her beloved "boys" so were hoping they would do well for her. We were thrilled when the Blue Jays stepped up to the plate and made it to the World Series. Michelle was ecstatic. We were hoping they would win the World Series for her but of course they lost in the seventh game but the ride was thrilling for Michelle and we were so grateful they did so well for her. In the last week of her life every night before she went to sleep she would type on here eye-activated computer: "Peace Perfect Peace whose mind is stayed on Thee , my favourite verse" (from Isaiah 26:3). This was a combination of a favourite hymn and Bible verse. As a little girl Michelle accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour and Lord and was born again. She lived as a shining light for Jesus and died with the assurance she would go to heaven not based on her own good deeds but because her Lord Jesus died in the cross and shed. His blood to wash her sins away and make her fit for heaven. We praise the Lord for the assurance that she is now with Him. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Until we meet again, we love you Michelle (Mom, Nanny).