Eliza Lynn Michaud's Obituary
There was once a little girl named Eliza Lynn who couldn’t wait a single second longer than necessary to get earthside. Her 210 days with us was far too brief, but she changed the lives of everyone she met.
Eliza Lynn Michaud was born at 8:32 pm on November 14, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah, a tiny 14.3 ounces to the proudest parents you’ve ever seen---Julie and Adam Michaud. Her arrival would have been much too early for most babies, but she showed again and again that she wanted to be here on earth with all of us. Hour by hour and day by day “Eliza June” created her own extended family inside the walls of the University of Utah NICU and Primary Children’s NICU. Her doctors and nurses and therapists trusted her and guided her body to grow stronger and stronger while also teaching her the magic of Star Wars and Harry Potter and the twang of Country Music. They helped her learn the passions of the rest of her family so in May, when her body was ready, she effortlessly joined all of us who were anxiously waiting to meet her outside the walls of the hospital.
“Eliza Bean” arrived home with her oxygen tanks and feeding tube to a pile of Amazon boxes on the porch with her two furry protectors--Oliver and Eleanor--just inside the door. Ellie immediately assumed the role of Nanny, and wanted to be as close to Eliza as dog-ly possible. Ollie was content to guard the rest of the house while Ellie stayed close. Eliza learned the rules of her house instantly--that she was the boss, and that hockey is life. She charmed and delighted her family by opening up her tiny heart through her expressive eyes to all those lucky enough to be in her presence, whether in person or online. Adam and Julie spent magical hours at home learning her famous side-eye and being dazzled by her smile while finally able to care for her all by themselves. They showed her the excitement of a hockey game on the television and she enthusiastically and effortlessly became the Colorado Avalanche’s youngest fan.
Eliza cuddled and snuggled her beloved Grammy and Nana, who had anxiously waited many months for their turn to meet this miracle baby. Her dozens of cousins oohed and awed when finally granted their first glimpses at those delicious, chubby cheeks. There were so many family members patiently waiting for their turn to bask in the sunshine that was her soul. We all hoped and expected for far more time.
As usual, according to Eliza’s own unique time table, she left earth as quickly as she had arrived at 8:32am on June 12, 2021 when her lungs and heart gave out. We have a crater sized hole filled with grief where Eliza had been. The only thing that makes this experience remotely tolerable is knowing that so many people knew and loved the same tiny, incredible human and also feel her loss.
In addition to her extended hospital family, she leaves behind her beloved parents, Adam and Julie Michaud. Her Great Pyrenees protectors, Oliver and Eleanor. Her grandparents Michael and Mary Elizabeth Michaud, and Becky Nielson. Her many aunts and uncles, dozens of cousins, and her online fan club. She was greeted in heaven by her beloved Oompa who loved to nibble baby toe jam, and thanks to Eliza’s oxygen monitor needing lots of socks to help hold her monitor in place she had ample toe jam to share.
We will honor her life on Wednesday, June 16th at a 4pm Memorial Mass in her name at Holy Family Parish in Ogden, Utah and Thursday, June 17th at a small indoor ceremony at Premier Funeral Home in Roy, Utah at 8:30am. The family will be escorted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association to a graveside service at Leavitt’s Mortuary and Aultorest Memorial Park in Ogden, Utah at 10am. We would love to have you join this sports loving family at the Ogden Raptors Baseball game that evening at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the box office in memory of Eliza Michaud in a section reserved for her friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the gofundme at https://gofund.me/95bcd3c4
What’s your fondest memory of Eliza?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eliza?
Share a story where Eliza's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eliza you’ll never forget.
How did Eliza make you smile?