Michelle R. Lawson

 Michelle (Creese) Lawson, 58, formerly of Freedom, passed away on August 17, 2025. She was the daughter of late John and Delores Creese. Born and raised with a warm heart and an infectious sense of humor, Michelle lived a life devoted to her family and to the people around her. She was the beloved wife of Jerry Lawson and the proud mother of Cassandra Budrick and her late son, William Fortuna, Jr.; and her daughter-in-law Shanda Shillingburg. Michelle's devotion extended deeply to her grandchildren - Kylie Fortuna, Aaliyah Budrick, Aubrey Sepella, Emma Fortuna and Jace Fortuna- who brought immeasurable joy and purpose to her days. She is also survived by her brother, Donald (Darla) Creese, brother-in-law Gary (Lisa) Lawson, sister-in-law Tracy (Hector) Chavez, her niece Lisa (Christopher) Jones; nephew, John (Kaylee) Creese of whom all cherished her.

Michelle worked as a hairstylist, where her talent was matched only by her kindness. Clients quickly became friends, drawn not only by her skill but by her warmth, humor, and genuine care for others. Beyond her work, Michelle filled her home with love and beauty - especially around the holidays, when her passion for decorating turned every gathering into a celebration. She enjoyed cooking for her family, shopping, loved cheering on her favorite football team (The Steelers) and spending time with her faithful dog, Cotton, who was always by her side. Her family will remember her as their rock, their source of comfort, and the person who could make any room brighter just by being in it.Though Michelle's passing leaves a space that can never truly be filled, her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved and in the countless ways she made the world a better, more beautiful place.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 PM at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

All who knew and loved Michelle are welcome to gather in celebration of her remarkable life.