Obituary: Dr. Michelle Leigh Perron, 1968-2024

Dr.
Michelle Leigh Perron, “Michelle,” age 56, beloved daughter,
wife, sister, aunt, friend and dedicated medical provider, passed
away unexpectedly on May 17, 2024, at home in Waterbury, Vt. Michelle
embodied how to live a life grounded in caring, compassion and love.

Michelle
was born on March 23, 1968, in Northfield, Vt. She was the beloved
daughter of Winston “Win” and Marylou Perron. Michelle grew up in
Montpelier and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1986. She
also graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and later
from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Michelle’s
greatest passion in life was being a pediatrician. Michelle was a
dedicated partner in the Timberlane Pediatrics Group, providing care
for many families in the community. She exemplified her passion for
her work and care for others through her focus, commitment and
tireless dedication.

Michelle
was always driving herself to improve and succeed. In school, she
stayed focused on learning; the result was good grades, the reward
was knowledge. She pushed herself and her teammates, whether on the
basketball court or the softball diamond. She was inspired to follow
her Grandmother Clark, “Ginn,” who lived with the family, to
pursue a career in the medical field. Ginn spent her life as a nurse,
serving others and baking for the family, two passions Michelle
carried on in her life. She would take care of all of her patients,
get home late, and still find the time to make homemade birthday
cakes for her nieces and nephews or that famous Christmas tree bread
for Christmas morning. These behaviors were core to who she was, both
growing up and as an adult. Who she was at heart never changed for
Michelle.

On
August 21, 2010, Michelle married James “Jim” Percy, and they
made their home in Waterbury. Michelle and Jim shared their home with
Michelle’s parents and many canine and feline “children.”
Michelle and Jim graciously offered their home as the gathering place
for Thanksgiving and other family events. Michelle was the consummate
homemaker, aka Superwoman, too. Over the years, many nieces, nephews
and cousins from all parts of the family attended her cookie-making
sessions, while elders enjoyed her rum balls. Other hobbies and
interests included gardening along with her adoring pets, Booker,
Brise, Bruce and Baxter.

Survivors
include her parents, Win and Marylou Perron; husband, Jim Percy;
brother, Kevin Perron, and his wife, Christine; and many uncles,
aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Calling
hours will be held on Thursday, May 30, 5 to 8 p.m., at Guare &
Sons Funeral Home, 30 School St., Montpelier, VT 05602.

The
family will have a private interment ceremony at a future date. In
lieu of flowers, please consider supporting local charities that were
important to Michelle. You can make memorial contributions in memory
of Michelle Leigh Perron, MD, to the UVM Children’s Hospital, 111
Colchester Ave., Burlington, VT 05401, or to Central Vermont Humane Society, 1589 VT Route 14 S, E. Montpelier, VT 05651.