It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michelle Farmer Eldridge, who died on October 31, 2023. Michelle sustained significant injuries as a result of a hit and run accident in January 2023. She battled a series of medical complications and is finally at peace.
Michelle Farmer Eldridge, 57, was born on May 27, 1966 in Winchester MA and grew up in Chelmsford, MA. She attended UMass, Amherst, where she earned a degree in economics and political science, and later attended Suffolk Law school in Boston, MA, graduating in 1993. Tired of the cold New England weather, and always looking for adventure she moved to San Francisco with her law school sweetheart, Chris Eldridge in 1994. They were married in 1997 and were amicably divorced in 2017. They raised their two children, Amelia and Evan, in Piedmont, where they built a close-knit community of friends.
Michelle was devoted to her children and was their most enthusiastic cheerleader, attending all their extracurricular events and consistently providing them with the confidence and unwavering support they needed.
Michelle had a wide group of close friends in Chelmsford, Boston, Piedmont and surrounding areas. Her home always served as the heart of all gatherings, the go-to destination for holidays and birthdays. Warm and welcoming, Michelle embraced life and those around her, always inclusive with an infectious smile. She loved to entertain. Cocktails would flow, entertaining conversation would ensue and laughter would abound. It was always a great time at Michelle’s abode. As William Shakespeare wrote, “Though she be but little she is fierce.” Michelle lived large.
She was an accomplished general counsel and business executive with over two decades of legal and business experience in investment advisory services, technology, and operations. Michelle was an energetic leader, a trusted advisor, and a mentor to younger women attorneys.
Michelle will be missed deeply because she loved her family and friends fiercely and they loved her. Michelle was vibrant, electric and fun. She loved warmth, both physical and spiritual, sunshine, the ocean, a good bottle of champagne, pizza, crossword puzzles, pickleball, traveling the world, and taking friends out on her Boston Whaler. Above all, her children and her remarkable network of friends held the highest place in her heart, with her dogs following closely behind. Michelle’s boundless zest for life was evident in her constant planning of new journeys, often while still halfway through the current one.
The family is grateful to the friends and family who supported them during this difficult time. Michelle is now smiling down on us with her dazzling smile encouraging us all to live life to the fullest every day.
Michelle was predeceased by her mother Bernice Farmer and her beloved Yia Yia, Sophia Irons. She is survived by her children, Amelia and Evan Eldridge, her sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl and Josh Hartley, and niece and nephew, Cole and Tess Hartley, many cousins, and her dogs, Roscoe and Skylah.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Ocean Cleanup or The Nature Conservancy.
I miss her friendship and warmth. A tragic loss, many prayers for her spirit to always continue through Amelia and Evan. Best to Chris as well, for his continual kindness over so many years as well.
True friend.
Michelle was a huge spirit in the guise of a pixie. Her light shone bright.
What a beautiful tribute to Michelle. So very sorry to hear of her struggles and passing. God bless her family and friends. Rest in Peace!
Michelle was always so sweet and kind when we were kids. She has a beautiful soul. I have not seen Michelle for decades but There was a point in time when a day would not go by without seeing her. I wish her family and friends my deepest sympathies
I hate this tragic news.
The sadness of Michelle’s passing is leavened only by the knowledge that she touched many lives deeply.
Her memory will be a blessing to many, including me.
So sorry to hear this incredibly sad news. My condolences to Chris and the kids. She always had a warm smile when I’d see her in town.
Her children and the lives they are living is a testament to her goodness and her priorities. Sending peaceful thoughts to Amelia, Evan and Chris during this difficult time.
This obituary personified the truly genuine mother, sister, wife, and friend Michelle was. I feel blessed for having the opportunity to be able to call her a close friend for over 40 years. Truly special. She took the world by storm by being the nicest and most caring person there could be. She will be missed by all the people who were privileged to know her. My sincerest well wishes and love to all of her family and friends. I think we are all better people to have had Michelle in our lives.
I hadn’t seen Michelle in almost 40 years but it hurts to hear of her passing. She was such a nice person. She’s an exemplary role model who came from humble beginnings and lived the American dream. So sad to hear that her life was cut short.
Obviously a great Mom, a great friend and a great sister….she’ll be missed.
So sorry for your loss.
We will all suffer from the loss of Michelle,
She was the kindest most caring person, My life was saved by Michelle,she just saw the good in everyone! Somehow she saw it in me.I’m only here today because she gave me a purpose a reason to change and she never gave up on a hopeless soul! Heaven gained an Angel!