It is with sadness, yet great faith, that we share the passing of Michelle with the Stockton community. With an unmatched spirit, she touched the lives of many around her in profound ways. She will be remembered for her spirit, love of family and adventure, and a kindness shown to others.
Michelle Angela Milford Gretsinger of Stockton, CA was born on December 24th, 1987 and left this earth on July 3rd, 2016. She is survived by her parents John and Maria Milford and her brother Alex Milford, grandmothers, aunts, uncles and many cousins. She was a Development Writer for University Development and Alumni Relations Communications at University of the Pacific.
From a very early age, Michelle did voice-over work on hundreds of radio commercials over the years. Michelle attended Lincoln High in Stockton and American River College in Sacramento, before graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Pacific in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, double-major in English and Philosophy. She was preparing to matriculate into the Masters Program this fall.
Michelle was a Thomas J. Long Foundation Core Scholar, Hearst Foundation Scholar, Osher Reentry Scholar, Commended Transfer Scholar and a member of Phi Sigma Tau International Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society.
Michelle was a free spirit with a calming and beautiful smile and was very passionate about writing, education and philanthropy. She had a lifelong love of the theatre and music, and enjoyed everything from punk rock shows to live opera. A private memorial for family and close friends will be held.
The family would like to express our appreciation for all the love and support we have received during this time of sorrow from so many people, and especially Michelle’s work family at the University of the Pacific.