Michelle Marie Lawler

Michelle Marie Lawler passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026 in Huntsville, Alabama surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Robert, son Rob and his wife Erin, son Brian and his wife Celine, mother-in-law Kay, stepmother-in-law Doris, sister-in-law June and her husband Frans, and brother-in-law Bill and his wife Bridget. She is pre-deceased by her mother and father, Patricia and Norm Doninger, her brother Marc, her son Steven and her father-in-law Bill. Additionally, she leaves behind 6 beloved grandchildren Gavin, Forrest, Shea, Cove, Moira, and Olive.

Michelle was a devoted partner and spouse to Robert and a loving mother to Rob, Brian, and Steven. Her eyes would light up every time she would spend time with her grandchildren, and, in turn, their eyes lit up every time they saw their “Grammy.”

Michelle was an enormous lover of animals. Over the years she brought countless rescue dogs into her family. Sasha and Chloe are already missing her!

Being part of a military family, Michelle was born on June 29, 1958, in La Rochelle, France. She grew up in Palos Verdes, California, graduating from Rolling Hills High School in 1976. Her family were avid golfers and members of Rolling Hills Country Club, and Michelle was fortunate enough to take golf lessons from the renowned John Cook.

Michelle worked a total of 48 years in the Aerospace industry starting at McDonnell Douglas in 1978. She would later become part of Boeing (merger) and then part of ULA (joint venture with Boeing and Lockheed Martin) as a Senior Quality Manager. In 2017 she joined Blue Origin as their Director of Quality and WTLS Operations.

Her work ethic was second to none. Her co-workers, peers, and those who called her “boss lady” would all echo the same sentiment, “Michelle was the best of the best. She was a Pro, an inspirational leader with unquestionable integrity, and someone who set the bar very high for everyone each day.”

Michelle was incredibly generous supporting numerous charities including Wounded Warriors, First Responders, the Catholic Church, and every animal organization you can think of. Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, techs, PA’s, physical therapists, neurologists, and specialists in the Madison, Huntsville, and the UAB Birmingham Community.

Additionally, the staff at Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care will forever be remembered. You brought joy, peace, and love during the last days of her life.

We would also love to acknowledge Huntsville Hospital Canines for Coping critical care guide dog, Vivian, and her handler, Angel, who cared for Michelle while in Hospice. You both will forever be a part of our family and hold a special place in all of our hearts.

Please join us as we celebrate Michelle’s life on Friday, July 17, from Noon to 4:00PM at the Huntsville Botanical Garden located at 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue in Huntsville. We encourage casual attire including shorts, jeans, and T-shirts.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made in Michelle’s name to: Huntsville Hospital Foundation, designated to the Canines for Coping Fund.

Donations may be mailed to: Huntsville Hospital Foundation, 699 Gallatin St. SW, Building A, Huntsville, AL 35801 or made online at: huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org/caninesforcoping