Michelle Courter

Michelle Lynn Courter was in two simple words, a woman of noble character. She gave of herself freely and lovingly. Her life was a true example as she lived each day with a joyful and faithful heart. Michelle was a loving wife and mother, whose memory will be treasured by those who knew and loved her. The 1970s were a period of great change in our country. Richard M. Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, and the Vietnam War continued to rage. Peace demonstrations were evident in nearly every city in America, while U.S. families attempted to distract their concerns with television shows like Rowan and Martins Laugh-In and All in the Family. Rock and roll was hitting the charts as well as the pop sounds of Carole King, Rod Stewart and the Osmonds. In the industrial town of South Bend, Indiana, Stephen L. and Debra K. Gunts were happily distracted when they welcomed a special event in their lives. Their first child, a little girl they named Michelle Lynn, was born on May 6, 1971. Michelle was later joined by little sister Lisa, and welcomed the role of big sister. Their father worked as a Systems Consultant while their mother stayed home to care for the girls, and look after the household. Times were pretty typical for Michelle growing up. As a child, Michelle was very sports minded, and enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball and soccer. Many weekends were spent at the local roller rink skating with a group of friends, or shopping with girlfriends. She enjoyed her friendships with close friends Jenny, Marcie, cousin Brad, and Uncle John all throughout her life. Things seemed pretty characteristic for the Gunts family during Michelles growing up years, and then it was discovered that she had Lymphoedema. At just 15 years old, it was a crucial time in the life of a young girl like Michelle. The disease often made her feel tired and weak. Even so, Michelle had an inner strength, and with the love and support of her family, she remained the fun loving girl that she always was. She had a wonderful sense of humor along with joy in her heart. A family of faith, they enjoyed time spent together, especially on a memorable family vacation trips to Disneyland. As a teenager, Michelle took an interest in design, which came as no surprise, as she was artistically talented and always had a great flair for fashion. She did some modeling and was in demand locally, covering billboards and ads in a few high profile magazines. Even though Michelle enjoyed design and fashion she always stated I would rather be on the business end of fashion instead of the fashion side of fashion. So she humbly quit and never looked back. Michelle graduated from Christian Center High School in her hometown of South Bend in 1989. It was while she was in school that she met a young man named James Courter. Each shared the same type of humor, as well as a sense of honor, duty and giving to others. It was only fitting that their longtime friendship blossomed into love, and the two were joined in marriage on June 9, 1992. It wasnt long before they welcomed Cameron Sterling Courter into their lives on April 12, 1993. Michelle reveled in her newborn son, loving each and every moment that motherhood had brought her way. It was following the birth of Cameron that Michelle learned that she was also fighting a blood disorder. Never one to lose hope, she was again blessed with yet another son. She gave birth to Aramis Xavier Courter on March 19, 1999. Michelle was a dedicated, caring, and loving mother to her boys, and counted the day they each were born as the greatest days of her life. Even in the midst of the illnesses she fought daily, Michelle had patience and endurance. Her faith and gentle strength offered her perseverance, and she often thought about the needs of others, before her own. She was a giving and loving woman. The love of family was of the utmost importance to Michelle. Cameron and Aramis had the benefit of Michelle always being there for them, as she was a stay-at-home mom. While home, she had the opportunity to be involved in their everyday activities, looking after two growing sons. As a homemaker, she continued her love of design, loved to go for walks, and took pleasure in car rides and day trips. Her most favorite memories were in the company of those she loved and cared about. Just sitting and talking, or just being together, was her joy. As well, some of her most treasured times were when she was reading her Bible, or playing with the boys. Some days offered Michelle great hope, but she fought daily to be there for her family. Sadly, Michelle lost her battle from the illnesses that plagued her, and died on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at the age of 37. There are many words to describe most women, but Michelle Lynn Courter was simply a woman of noble character. Giving so freely of herself to those she loved and cared about, she lived her life by example. Even through her long suffering, she maintained a wonderful sense of humor, and lived each day with a joyful heart. She was a devoted wife, and a dedicated mother who lovingly fought daily to be with her family. She will be remembered fondly by those who were blessed to have known and loved her. Michelle is survived by her beloved husband, James; her precious sons, Cameron and Aramis, both at home, parents, Stephen & Debra, and sister, Lisa (James) Greathouse; grandparents, Ray & Pat, JoEllen; several aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces & nephews. In keeping with Michelle's wishes private services were held. Should you feel compelled to contribute flowers or gifts in Michelles memory they may be made to James Courter, 3563 Langley Drive, South Bend IN 46614. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite photo, leave a memory or sign her online guest book.