BRAINTREE, Mass. – Michelle S. (Lauze) Horger, 34, formerly of Skowhegan, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, Feb. 6, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born April 1973, in Lewiston, was raised in central Maine, and graduated from Skowhegan Area High School. She earned her degree in marketing and met her beloved husband, Jon, at Plymouth State College, N.H.

After moving to greater Boston in 1995, she worked in retail and progressed through several positions to her most recent post as a buyer for Chadwick’s of Boston.

None of her academic or professional accomplishments were as important to her as spending time with those she loved. Growing up in Maine shaped her love of the outdoors. Strolling Maine’s beaches and camping near Baxter or Rangeley were always important to Michelle. It was on those trips where those closest to her were reminded of her engaging personality, and her fun-loving spirit. Always a motivated athlete, Michelle completed her first triathlon three months after completing her first round of cancer treatments.

Michelle made a habit of placing other’s needs before her own. Her circle of friends grew with each new contact, and everyone warmed quickly to her company. With the birth of her daughter Rebecca in 2003, Michelle had another way to apply her selflessness, and demonstrated new depths of love and caring. Her spirit is undoubtedly alive in her daughter, and those she loved.

Michelle is survived by her husband and closest friend of 14 years, Jon and their daughter, Rebecca; her parents, Larry and Janine Lauze; her mother- and father-in-law, Carl and Patricia (Thomas) Horger; her brother and sister-in-law Michael and Elizabeth Lauze; her brother-in-law Jeffrey Horger; and countless dear friends.