Michelle Marie Stanger, 47, passed away on July 11, 2009. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Michelle had touched throughout her very memorable life. She was loved unconditionally by her family and will be missed every day.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 16 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Escondido, California, 3260 Bear Valley Parkway, at 11:00 a.m.

Michelle Stanger

Michelle was born June 7, 1962, in Las Vegas to Mike and Diane Dooley. She spent her childhood swimming with friends, caring for her little brother and developing a lifelong love of animals. She was educated in nursing, but spent her adult life as the owner/administrator of an urgent care center, a catering company, and a storage company. She met Nick Stanger and the two married in 1988. 

She was an active volunteer for InterFaith Community Services, the North County Democratic Party and worked diligently with various other charities. She was also a strong supporter and lobbied heavily on behalf of the Escondido Public Library. Her generosity was exceeded only by her concern for those less fortunate than her.

“Democrats throughout San Diego have lost a friend and fellow activist,” said EDC Vice President for Political Action Chris Nava. ”Michelle’s passion for the poor was reflected in her tireless work with Interfaith Community Services.  Her work with the GO Team during the 2008 election continued with her involvement in the North County Voter Registration Team. A great champion of the Library, Michelle and her black poodle  (she was affectionately known as the “poodle lady” ) would often been seen  around the library, either registering voters or volunteering. We shall greatly miss Michelle.”

Michelle’s interests included family, gardening, cooking, reading and riding horses. She devoted much of her time and energy to her many pets and her love of musical theater and politics.

Mrs. Stanger is survived by her husband, Nick Stanger; daughter, Scarlett Stanger; brother, Mike Dooley; father, Michael Dooley; stepchildren, Jon Stanger, Nicole Davis, Danny Stanger and Eric Stanger; and 11 grandchildren. As her love of animals was so profound, she was also survived by Haylee, her beloved poodle, and Magnolia, her cat, among many others.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Diane Kirk, of Las Vegas, Nevada.

If preferred, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to InterFaith Community Services at www.interfaithservices.org, 550 West Washington Avenue, Suite B, Escondido.