LEWISTON — Michelle Lee Blankenship, 24, of Lewiston, joined her rightful place among the angels early Tuesday, Jan. 11.

She was born July 29, 1986, in Brunswick, the youngest of five daughters born to Miriam D. Cavanuagh and the late Jon F. Blankenship. She attended schools in both Lewiston and New Gloucester, although school took its place behind her duty and intense devotion as a young mother to her beloved son (and her world) Nathaniel.

She had most recently returned to her pursuit of education and was soon to receive her GED certificate. She had worked at Chopsticks Restaurant as a waitress although she will be best remembered for her roles as a strong and endlessly devoted young mother, a loving and sacrificial ‘Auntie,’ beautiful and caring sister as well as trusted friend and confidant to many. Michelle loved music, in solitude or company alike. She most enjoyed time spent teaching and learning with her son, spending time with her close friends and family, and dreaming of the future to come. She also favored conversations at the kitchen table and was always ever-ready to deliver a patient ear and honest advice. She was extremely soulful and artistic, possessing great talents and depth in her works of writing and poetry. She will be remembered as ‘an old soul with young face.’

Michelle is survived by her 7 year old son, Nathaniel Brent Roaix, of Lewiston; her mother and dear stepfather, Miriam and David Clough of Kingsland, Ga.; sisters, Laura Stevens and husband, Mark, of Lewiston, Emily Gaddy and husband, Billy, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Leanna Blankenship of St. Mary’s, Ga., Lenessa Davis and husband, King, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Rebecca Blankenship of Oklahoma City, Okla.; a very close ‘auntie’ and grandfather, Debbie and Abbott Twitchell of Portland; her very special nephews and nieces, of whom she cared for immensely, Jonathan, Billie, Dylan, Savannah, Brandon, Jasmine, Tyler, Trevor, Jasmine, A.J., Colby and Wyatt; and other close aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

Along with her father, she was predeceased by her grandmother, Gertrude Hillenburg of Social Circle, Ga.; grandparents, James and Darlene Cavanaugh of South Portland; and grandparents, Polly and Charles Clough of Falmouth.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for those who made a difference in Michelle’s life and for whom she made a difference for. Special thanks to Alan Kelley, who shared many of Michelle’s experiences through good and grief, to Brent Rouix, for helping to create Michelle’s greatest joy on planet Earth. Also to the Frost Family, Ms. Terri Seyfert-Cooper, and other special neighbors and friends who have made up Michelle’s extended family.

Condolences and a photo tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.